The Community of Madrid is launching a new Lifetime Vaccination Schedule on January 1, 2023, with three important innovations such as the inclusion of immunization against meningitis B for infants, the inclusion of a dose against human papillomavirus (HPV) for 12-year-old men and the spread of herpes zoster among the elderly, it says. regional government announcement.

They will be introduced mainly at primary health care centers of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) as well as at points authorized by the General Directorate of Public Health.

The new program includes the systematic introduction of vaccines from the prenatal period to the population over 60 years of age and includes new indications to increase the protection of citizens from various diseases.

Thus, immunization against meningococcus B will begin in January for children born after November 1, 2022, and is offered in a three-dose regimen at 2, 4 and 12 months of age.

In addition, this will continue with people at risk. This process may help protect against diseases caused by these bacteria, including type B meningococcal meningitis.

Similarly, starting next year, 12-year-old boys, that is, children born in 2011, will begin to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) against the schedule of two doses at least six months apart.

To date, this has been done with 12-year-old girls and people at risk. Prevention of infections and diseases associated with HPV is being strengthened in both sexes with new indications.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious illness in women, such as cervical cancer, but also causes lesions in men, who also act as carriers.

Among other pathologies, it can cause genital warts, anal cancer, cancer of the neck or mouth. Immunization is more effective before sexual intercourse, so it is recommended at an early age.

Finally, the Madrid Community Lifetime Vaccination Calendar extends herpes zoster prophylaxis to people aged 75 to 80 years.

Meanwhile, the indications remain valid for people aged 65 and over 18 with certain risk conditions, a recommendation that the Department of Health included earlier this year.

Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Once childhood infection is overcome, it may remain limited and dormant until it reactivates decades later, either due to advanced age or low defenses.

It appears as a skin rash with chickenpox-like characteristics that can be very painful.

Get vaccinated throughout your life

The General Directorate of Public Health of the Community of Madrid points out that vaccination is important throughout life. It begins in childhood and adolescence and requires continuity into adulthood to strengthen immunity and be more effective in fighting preventable diseases.

In addition, it guarantees adequate protection throughout life, which in turn promotes healthy aging.