**IMSS Launches Free Vaccination Campaign Against Influenza and COVID-19 in Baja California**
Starting on October 15th, 2024, and running through March 28th, 2025, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has initiated a comprehensive vaccination campaign in Baja California and San Luis Río Colorado. The campaign aims to distribute a total of 779,086 doses of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines free of charge across various locations, including medical units, fixed and semi-fixed vaccination points, shopping centers, and other crowded areas.
The primary goal of this campaign is to prevent infections and complications caused by these viruses, particularly targeting high-risk populations. Erika Coral Solórzano Ledón, the Delegational Coordinator of Public Health Nursing, emphasized the importance of vaccinating a large portion of the population covered by the Social Security in Baja California and San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora.
The plan includes providing 481,129 influenza vaccines, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health issues like uncontrolled diabetes, severe obesity, respiratory, heart conditions, cancer, renal insufficiency, and HIV. Healthcare workers, including medical, paramedical, laboratory, and administrative staff, are also among those who should receive the influenza vaccine.
In addition, 297,957 COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to healthy individuals starting at age five and those with comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe obesity, chronic respiratory diseases including COPD and asthma, cardiovascular diseases, chronic renal insufficiency, and those who are immunocompromised due to health conditions or treatments like cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Solórzano Ledón urges eligible individuals to visit IMSS Family Medicine Units, hospitals, or mobile units set up at public squares, shopping centers, and other high-traffic locations for their vaccinations. Preventive measures are also being promoted to reduce the risk of illness, including frequent hand washing, proper respiratory etiquette, avoiding crowds if symptomatic, and seeking timely medical attention.
**Additional News Update:**
**Tijuana’s Small Businesses Anticipate Economic Boost During Festive Season**
In anticipation of the approaching festive season, small businesses in Tijuana are preparing for a potential increase in sales, with some expecting revenue to rise by as much as 25%. This optimism is driven by a surge in demand at key times of the year, such as the Day of the Dead celebrations, where florists, restaurants, and fruit sellers are particularly highlighted for their expected economic boom.
Meanwhile, the International Border and Ports of Entry remain busy as tourists continue to frequent Tijuana’s attractions, despite recent suspensions in some city areas due to ongoing construction projects. Concerns over rental increases and their impact on local commerce have been raised, but business owners remain hopeful that the upcoming holidays will provide a much-needed boost to their earnings.