Spain prepares for seasonal influenza vaccination campaign

Spain is preparing for the upcoming influenza and respiratory infection vaccination campaign, scheduled to begin in late September. In Cantabria, the regional health department has allocated over 2 million euros to purchase approximately 189,500 doses, representing a 16 percent increase from the previous year. This campaign will include vaccines for COVID-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Notably, vaccination efforts in Cantabria will expand to schools, covering children up to 7 years old, as well as teachers and family members.

In Andalusia, the campaign follows a previous season that saw record numbers, with nearly 1.94 million people vaccinated. The upcoming rollout will follow a phased approach, prioritizing high-risk groups such as infants aged 6 to 59 months, pregnant women, and educators working with young children. Subsequent phases will include residents of elderly care facilities, people with disabilities, healthcare professionals, and individuals aged 80 or older. The campaign aims to maintain high coverage rates, building on previous successes in protecting elderly and institutionalized populations.