Important Update on Fall Vaccines
October 28th 2025
The most recent flu, pnueomovax and COVID vaccines are available at CAISES in La Lejona at no charge. They do want to see ID but did not ask me for residency information. Probably a good idea to bring your permanente or temporal. They do sometimes run out but have been getting restocked fairly regularly. These are the new vaccines available in the north. The ministry of health here has been using Moderna for COVID. It has a slightly higher reaction profile so don’t be surprised if you feel a bit ill 24 hours to 36 after the injection. It is safe to do all three at the same time.
There is no Shrignex CURRENTLY but that may change. This is the herpes zoster vaccine done in two parts several weeks apart. Even if you have had herpes zoster, the CDC and Canadian authorities recommend getting vacinated as the immunization gives great protection than an actual outbreak. The day I went there was none in stock but the clinician indicated it may be a temporary shortage. There is extra incentive to get vaccinated even if you have had shingles in the past. New (still imperfect) evidence is seeing an association with a lower incidence of dementia in those vaccinated against herpes zoster. This is not guaranteed, but it is a hopeful finding.
Why might it help?
• Shingles virus can hide in nerve cells and cause inflammation.
• This inflammation may damage brain tissue over time.
• Preventing shingles outbreaks may protect the brain.
Who is recommended to get the vaccine?
• Adults age 50 and older.
• People with weaker immune systems.
Other benefits:
• Strong prevention against shingles.
• Reduces risk of long‑lasting nerve pain.
• May support healthy aging and protect memory.
Side effects (usually mild and short‑term):
• Sore arm
• Tiredness
• Fever or chills
• Headache
Important to know:
• Research is ongoing; results are promising but not final.
• This is one piece of a brain‑healthy plan.
• Staying active, sleeping well, and managing blood pressure are also important.
Dr. Oswaldo García has the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, adapted to the most recent variant, as well as the updated seasonal flu vaccine. If you would like to receive the updated COVID vaccine once it is available locally, you can add your name to his vaccine list via WhatsApp at +52 415 100 2466. He offers home visits and can administer both the updated flu and COVID vaccines once in stock. Dra. Leslie Flores will be getting the flu vaccine and her office is at MAC.
Phone (MAC Hospital office #211): +52 415 100 0269
Alternate appointments line (per online booking page): +52 415 688 1618
Address: Hospital MAC SMA, Camino a Alcocer 12, Consultorio 211
Update on our Cuba Initiative
Thank you very much to everyone who took interest in the Cuban artwork we are offering and to all of you who forwarded the Catalog to friends! This past week we purchased 70 fresh tubes of Golden Acrylic paint, as well as brushes and painting mediums to distribute to emerging and mid-career Cuban artists as early as this December. We are also collecting donations of art materials and good quality medicines to take to Cuba. If you or anyone you know would like to donate, please reply to this email or call Deborah at +52 415 115 7815.
