The Spanish Ministry of Health is working to vaccinate more than 75% of people over 60 against both the flu and COVID-19, as part of its strategy to prevent a potential collapse of healthcare services this winter due to respiratory viruses.
Mónica García, the Minister of Health, called on vulnerable groups to prioritise vaccination as the most effective measure to prevent an epidemic that could overwhelm health centres and result in a high number of fatalities.
Speaking at the launch of the autumn-winter vaccination campaign, García stressed the importance of vaccination in ensuring a normal life during this season. "We must stop seeing images of overcrowded health centres and hospitals," she said. “The campaign's goal is to achieve vaccination coverage of at least 75% among seniors and healthcare workers, and 60% among pregnant women and high-risk individuals.”
The vaccination drive specifically targets those over 60, with a focus on those aged 80 and above, as well as residents in care homes and other institutions, people with chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, neurological, or respiratory diseases), cancer patients, and individuals with cognitive disorders.
Pregnant women at any stage of gestation, postpartum women, and those with weakened immune systems or HIV infection are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
This season, the ministry has ruled out a mass COVID-19 vaccination for the general population, citing widespread immunity after four years of infections and vaccination efforts.
Additionally, García noted that the Public Health Commission, which includes experts from the Ministry and regional health authorities, is preparing a nationwide guideline to assess the risk posed by acute respiratory infections and to propose prevention and control measures.
