Penza, 16 August 2012. PenzaNews. More than 416 thousand residents of the Penza region were vaccinated against influenza in 2011, which helped to avoid at least 95 thousand cases of the disease and prevent the direct loss of 798 million rubles. These data was presented at a regular meeting of the Sanitary and Epidemic Commission of the regional government, which took place in the regional Ministry of Health and Social Development.

“In total, approximately 31.5% of people in the region were vaccinated last year. Vaccine covered 52.6% of children under the age of 17. According to preliminary estimates, influenza rate would be 4,9–9,3 times higher without immunization. The estimated economic effect of immunization was 9,8–11,6 rubles per ruble invested in the vaccination,” the press service of the Ministry told news agency “PenzaNews.”

In the coming epidemiological season, managers of health facilities and various organizations were recommended to vaccinate at least 30% of the population.

“With the implementation of the national immunization calendar, the epidemiological situation in the Penza region remains stable,” emphasized the press service.