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2026-07-28 18:44 UTC → 2026-07-29 23:29 UTC ·
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Chile offers expands free flu vaccine to all residents vaccine, 6M+ doses administered
Following a sharp rise in influenza cases reported in late June, Chile expanded its free Chile’s universal free‑influenza vaccination campaign throughout July. On programme, launched on 23 July the Valparaíso‑San Antonio Health Service began offering the seasonal influenza shot to every resident, removing previous after lifting all age and risk‑group limits. limits, continues to broaden coverage. The Ministry of Health announced the same day reported that by week 19 of the nationwide program had already administered 2026 campaign more than 7 6 million vaccine doses and set had been administered, a target of 95 5.9 % coverage, increase over the same period in 2025. Positivity for influenza viruses remained high, with particular emphasis on priority groups to curb hospitalisations a 46.8 % rate in epidemiological week 28, and deaths. Influenza A continues and B each accounting for roughly a quarter of detections. Coverage among priority groups reached about 62 % for seniors and 63 % for children aged six months to be five years, with the dominant strain this season. Regional authorities campaign targeting 85 % uptake in these high‑risk categories. Earlier in the programme, officials had noted that coverage among adults aged 60 adult vaccination (60 + remains years) stood at 64 %, leaving roughly around 98 000 seniors older citizens unprotected, and had urged older adults and families to be vaccinated promptly. Health officials in Maule and other regions continue active outreach through mobile prompt vaccination. Mobile units, school clinics and municipal partners, aiming partners remain active in regions such as Maule, while the nationwide effort aims to raise overall uptake keep hospitalisations and lessen pressure on the health system deaths low as respiratory viruses circulate. The campaign’s universal approach, combined with earlier successes such as 99 % RSV immunisation for infants in Ñuble, reflects continued expansion and monitoring of the free‑vaccine strategy underscore Chile’s effort commitment to protect the population through broad, free access to flu vaccination. equitable protection against seasonal influenza.