According to MINSA´s latest report, even though there were no deaths during this week, the 33 deaths reported so far were patients who had not been vaccinated against the disease.

As of deaths, 26 were type A influenza and seven others type B, most of them with high risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, pulmonary, renal, neurological and immunosuppression disorders.

Death toll totaled 16 men and 17 women, aging from one month to 88 years.

Among the regions with highest death incidence are Panama City´s metropolitan area, San Miguelito and the provinces of West Panama, Chiriqui, Darien, Veraguas, Cocle and Bocas del Toro.

According to the Expanded Immunization Program, as many as 1,322,945 doses have been applied, urging population to comply with this necessary preventive measure.

The influenza vaccine is being administered free of charge in health centers from Monday to Friday.

pll/rgh/ga