The Costa Rica Ministry of Health confirmed that the massive vaccination against the influenza virus will begin in May 22.

Initially it had been announced that it was going to start in the first week of May, however, the Ministry explained the setback obeyed to a delay in the purchase process of the 1.3 million vaccines.

Children under five years of age, and population at risk: pregnant women, adults 60-years of age and older, diabetics, patients with heart conditions, those that suffer from respiratory problems, high-blood pressure or immune system problems, should be a priority.

The influenza vaccine applied this year will be the trivalent kind which includes three inactivated influenza viruses, two different influenza type A strains and one influenza type B strain.

According to the Ministry of Health, the peak of influenza from the end of 2016 and beginning of 2017 caused 59 deaths, 67% of these deaths are directly related with health complications derived from influenza virus AH1N1, and 92% of the victims were not vaccinated.

Recently the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rica Public Health and Social Security Administration (C.C.S.S) urged parents to verify that their children are protected against measles, since important outbreaks of this virus have been reported in Europe and now also the United States. Travelers are especially at risk.

Authorities emphasize on the importance of having healthy habits and protecting your health: wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap several times a day, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing preferably with a paper tissue, handkerchief or your forearm, avoid crowded places, disinfect surfaces and if you have cold symptoms stay at home and go to the emergency services only if necessary, if you are part of the population at risk make sure to get vaccinated.