Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia launch 2026–2027 seasonal flu vaccination drives

Early rollout in Castilla-La Mancha

The government of Castilla-La Mancha will begin its 2026–2027 flu vaccination campaign on 1 October, advancing the start date by approximately 15 days compared to previous seasons. Regional Health Counselor Jesús Fernández Sanz announced the schedule alongside Montserrat Hernández, director general of care and quality at Sescam, and Joaquín Torres, director general of public health. The regional administration prepared nearly 600,000 vaccine doses for the drive, which will run through 31 March 2027. The opening phase targets children between six months and seven years old, as well as residents and workers in sociosanitary centers. General adult vaccination across the region will begin on 7 October.

We have prepared nearly 600,000 vaccine doses for this 2026–2027 campaign, which has been brought forward about 15 days compared to other years.

Pediatric vaccine formulas and digital booking

The pediatric strategy introduces age-specific vaccine types across Castilla-La Mancha. Children between six and 23 months old will receive a cell-based vaccine, designed to offer an improved immune response and suitable for individuals allergic to eggs and antibiotics. Children aged between 24 months and seven years will receive an intranasal vaccine, expanding the target pediatric age cohort by two years compared to the previous season. Health authorities will send SMS text notifications directly to parents of children aged six months to seven years to encourage uptake before extending the messaging system to other population groups. Residents can schedule appointments through the Mi Salud Digital mobile application, the regional health website, or primary care centers, alongside direct recruitment by medical staff.

Andalusia targets respiratory viruses and schools

In Andalusia, the regional Governing Council outlined a parallel campaign opening on 1 October that addresses influenza, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Andalusian strategy prioritizes children aged six to 59 months, teachers of children under five, vulnerable minors aged five to 17 with chronic conditions, and healthcare personnel. Regional health officials expect to immunize more than 180,000 children under five years old, including over 90,000 who will receive their vaccines directly within school classrooms and early education facilities. The Andalusian target group also encompasses institutionalized individuals, pregnant women, postpartum mothers in their first six months, and emergency personnel such as police officers and firefighters.

Clinical guidance and high-risk groups

All influenza vaccines administered during the 2026–2027 season in Castilla-La Mancha are trivalent formulations adapted to circulating strains identified by the World Health Organization. Health authorities recommend co-administration of flu and Covid-19 vaccines for eligible groups to streamline clinical visits and maximize coverage. Priority cohorts across both autonomous communities include adults aged 60 and older, individuals with chronic illnesses or immunosuppression, caregivers, and sociosanitary personnel. Cohabitants and caregivers of vulnerable individuals, young children, and dependent persons can also receive their vaccines concurrently during the rollout.