The Combogal clinical trial, aimed at evaluating the best vaccination strategy against flu and COVID in people aged 65 or over, will begin this Saturday, October 17, in the community's 14 public hospitals. In recent days, SMS messages with information about this initiative have been sent to a selected population of approximately 730,000 people.
The study will take place within the framework of the ordinary vaccination campaign. Those summoned to health centers will also be informed about the possibility of going to the hospital to participate in the study. The primary objective is to check if a combined vaccine against flu and COVID reduces the risk of hospitalization, complications, and death, compared to the simultaneous administration of a high-dose flu vaccine and a separate COVID vaccine.
The combined vaccine has already been tested and authorized, so this study aims to determine the most suitable protection strategy for the elderly population. Interested individuals can book an appointment through the Sergas Móbil app or by calling 900 842 217, operational from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Slots will be available for five consecutive weekends.
The trial will be conducted in the seven health areas, at hospitals in the seven cities, and in regional hospitals. Vaccination centers include the University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (Chuac) and the Virxe da Xunqueira Hospital in the A Coruña and Cee area; the University Hospital Complex of Ferrol (CHUF); the University Hospital Complex of Santiago (CHUS) and the Barbanza Hospital; the Lucus Augusti University Hospital (HULA), the Mariña Hospital, and the Monforte Hospital; the University Hospital Complex of Ourense (CHUO), the Santa María Nai Hospital, the Verín Hospital, and the Valdeorras Hospital; the University Hospital Complex of Pontevedra (CHOP) and the Salnés Hospital; and the University Hospital Complex of Vigo (Chuvi).
The flu and COVID vaccination campaign began on September 28 in nursing homes. Last Tuesday, the 13th, vaccination for healthcare professionals and children also started. Next Monday, October 19, it will extend to individuals aged 70 or over, followed by pregnant women on November 2, and those aged 60 or over from November 9.
