Hospital Initiative Targets Flu and COVID-19 Amidst National Health Funding Shifts

Viña del Mar, Chile — Barely a month into its ambitious vaccination campaign, the Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital has successfully immunized 59% of its staff and collaborators against both influenza and COVID-19. This benchmark not only safeguards the health of its workforce but also positions the hospital as a proactive leader in community health. In light of the recent federal pullback of $12 billion in funding to state health departments, local initiatives like this one underscore the critical role of individual healthcare institutions in maintaining public health safety nets.With nearly 60% of staff immunized, the hospital shifts focus to community vaccinations.

The timing of this initiative is particularly crucial. As reported by Reuters on March 26, 2025, the U.S. government is retracting meaningful funding from state health departments, potentially impacting vaccination programs and other essential public health services across the nation.

The hospital’s dual focus on protecting its staff and extending vaccination access to the broader community highlights a extensive approach to public health, addressing both immediate needs and long-term preventative care. This model could serve as an example for other hospitals and healthcare providers navigating similar challenges.

Community Protection as a Cornerstone of Public Health

Giennine Díez Olivares, the nurse leading the Epidemiology and Immunizations Unit, emphasized the dual benefit of vaccination, stating, vaccination or immunization has to do with community protection. I protect myself so as not to become seriously ill. If more people in the community are vaccinated, it is less the viral circulation that may be in our environment. Then, the more members of the community they are vaccinated. Immunize, that perhaps they are in risk groups, but because of their health conditions they cannot do it.

Olivares further added,the officials who work directly with people,we have to take care of ourselves,our families,and also take care of our patients.

This viewpoint aligns with the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) long-standing recommendations, highlighting that widespread vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, which is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.

“Vaccination or immunization has to do with community protection. I protect myself so as not to become seriously ill. If more people in the community are vaccinated, it is less the viral circulation that may be in our environment. Then, the more members of the community they are vaccinated. Immunize, that perhaps they are in risk groups, but as of their health conditions they cannot do it.”

Giennine Díez Olivares, Epidemiology and Immunizations Unit

Expanding Vaccination Access

Recognizing the importance of reaching those most vulnerable, the Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital has extended its vaccination efforts beyond its immediate staff to include students, substitute officials, external company workers, and volunteers. Moreover, with over half of the internal population vaccinated, the hospital, in collaboration with the Viña del Mar Quillota Petorca health service, has established dedicated vaccination points for the public. This effort mirrors strategies used in the U.S., such as mobile vaccination clinics and partnerships with community organizations, to reach underserved populations.

Strategic Vaccination Sites for Community Reach

To maximize vaccine accessibility, the hospital has strategically set up two vaccination points within its facilities. These points are located in areas with high traffic, such as outpatient care and drug dispensing locations, ensuring that individuals visiting the hospital for other reasons have the possibility to get vaccinated.

the vaccination points are located at the Program of Programmed Procedures of the new hospital, open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Specialties Office (CAE), open Monday to Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. both locations offer vaccinations until 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Innovative Approaches to Immunization

Giannine Diez emphasized the novelty of this comprehensive approach, explaining, a novel strategy, until last year it was not included, now we as a hospital are cooperating strongly so that we can immunize our entire population, to reach the risk groups, not only officials, but also of the population that circulates through the fall and the hospital, as they are all the people over 60, pregnant people, children between six months or of people who have severe dependence.

This approach is mirroring the “one-stop shop” vaccination models that have gained traction in the U.S., where healthcare providers offer multiple vaccines during a single visit to improve vaccination rates. For instance, some pharmacies in the U.S. now offer flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines concurrently.

“a novel strategy, until last year it was not included, now we as a hospital are cooperating strongly so that we can immunize our entire population, to reach the risk groups, not only officials, but also of the population that circulates through the fall and the hospital, since they are all the people over 60, pregnant people, children between six months or of people who have severe dependence.”

Giannine Diez, Epidemiology and Immunizations Unit

A Call to Community Action

With winter approaching, the Dr. Gustavo Fricke hospital is actively encouraging community members to utilize the available vaccination points. As olivares urged, So we invite relatives, visits, and people who come to our hospital and our specialty office, to go to these vaccination points to be able to immunize and have the protection for this winter, This resonates with ongoing public health campaigns in the U.S., which emphasize the importance of annual flu shots and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 boosters, especially for those at higher risk.

For those unsure about their eligibility or with questions about vaccines, the hospital’s vaccination team is readily available to address concerns and provide guidance.

“So we invite relatives, visits, and people who come to our hospital and our specialty office, to go to these vaccination points to be able to immunize and have the protection for this winter,”

Giennine Díez Olivares, Epidemiology and Immunizations Unit

Additional Vaccination Site

Along with the main vaccination points, a vaccination site is also available at the establishment’s chapel, operated by Cesfam Marco Maldonado, from Monday to Thursday until 4:00 p.m.and Fridays until 3:00 p.m.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

While vaccination efforts are crucial, it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Common concerns include fears about side effects, distrust of the healthcare system, and misinformation spread through social media. To address these concerns, healthcare providers should engage in open and honest conversations with patients, providing evidence-based details and addressing individual anxieties.

In the U.S., similar challenges exist. The CDC and other organizations have launched campaigns to combat vaccine misinformation and promote vaccine confidence. These efforts include partnering with trusted community leaders, developing culturally sensitive messaging, and providing resources to help people make informed decisions about vaccination.

Maintaining Public Health Amidst Challenges

the Dr.Gustavo Fricke Hospital’s proactive vaccination campaign serves as a reminder of the critical role that local healthcare institutions play in safeguarding public health. Even in the face of potential funding cuts and other challenges, innovative and community-focused initiatives can make a significant difference in protecting populations from preventable diseases. As the U.S. navigates its own healthcare landscape,the lessons learned from this campaign can provide valuable insights and inspiration for maintaining robust public health systems.