More than 1.3 million influenza vaccines have been applied in Costa Rica, according to Social Security.

Over 475,000 people older than 58 years old have been vaccinated. In addition, over 618,000 doses have been applied to people between the ages of 7 and 57. 

Meanwhile, there are more than 183,000 doses applied to children between six months and less than seven years old. 

At the beginning of the campaign, the vaccine was available for the so-called vulnerable population such as children from 6 months to 7 years old, adults older than 58, people between 7 to 57 years old with pre-existing health conditions (such as diabetic patients, obesity, heart disease and respiratory diseases) and pregnant women.

The massive vaccination campaign also included health workers, Red Cross rescuers, firefighters, and employees of public institutions such as Social Security, the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Migration among others.

However, authorities recently announced that the vaccines were available to anyone.

Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is a common viral respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and causes complications, sometimes resulting in fatal, even in healthy people.

Flu immediate symptoms include chills, muscle and throat pain, poor general condition, normally high fever, and fatigue. Their complications can be serious (pneumonia), resulting in even death. The virus can survive for three days and spreads by touch.

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How can Social Security provide the flu vaccine to the entire country's population? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com