Fuengirola to hold flu vaccination day for over-65s and three-day blood donation drive

Fuengirola's ayuntamiento (town hall) has announced two health initiatives for mid-November: a flu vaccination day for older residents on Monday 16 November, and a blood donation drive running from 16 to 18 November. Both were announced on 6 November on the town hall's website.

Flu jabs on 16 November, appointment needed by 13 November

The vaccination day is organised by the town's Área de Tercera Edad (senior citizens' department) with the Distrito Sanitario Costa del Sol, the local health district, and health staff from the Los Boliches health centre. It will take place at the department's premises on calle Blanca Paloma.

According to the town hall, the campaign is aimed at people over 65, carers, and professionals who work with older people. It is open only to those registered with the Seguridad Social (Spain's public social security and health system). This year, those who want one can also receive a COVID-19 booster dose.

An appointment is required. It must be booked in person at the Área de Tercera Edad on calle Blanca Paloma, between 9:00 and 13:00, by Friday 13 November. The town hall says this deadline will not be extended. Applicants must bring their DNI (Spanish national identity document) and their Andalusian Seguridad Social health card. The health district uses these to check each applicant's details and medical history before approving the jab, and to record the dose afterwards.

The announcement mentions only the DNI and does not say whether other identity documents are accepted. Foreign residents may wish to check this when they book.

People covered by a mutualidad (a civil servants' health insurance scheme) or by private health insurance cannot use this campaign. They should follow the instructions of their own provider.

Cristina Bornao, the councillor for Families, Equality and Social Welfare, who is responsible for the senior citizens' department, said the campaign is being held again this year. Its aim is to make vaccination easier for older residents, so they do not have to travel to their health centre.

Blood donation at the Casa de la Cultura and in Los Boliches

In a separate announcement, health councillor Javier García Lara said a blood donation drive will run at the Casa de la Cultura on avenida Juan Gómez Juanito on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 November. Hours are 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00 on both days.

On Wednesday 18 November there is an evening session only, from 17:00 to 21:00, at the Colores building on avenida de Los Boliches.

The drive is promoted by the Málaga Transfusion, Tissue and Cell Centre, which belongs to the Junta de Andalucía's regional health department. The campaign slogan is 'Tu donación hace la diferencia' ('Your donation makes the difference'). The town hall notes that transfusions are needed in cancer treatment, complex surgery, road accident cases, organ transplants and blood disorders.

The town hall lists these requirements for donors, among others:

• aged between 18 and 65
• weighing at least 50 kg
• no chronic illness, acute infection or anaemia
• bring a DNI or other identifying document (this is compulsory)

Donors are advised not to come on an empty stomach. Each donor has an interview and a medical check before blood is taken.

According to the Málaga transfusion centre, men may donate up to four times a year and women up to three times. There must be at least two months between donations.