The 2026-2027 vaccination campaign against flu and COVID-19 is being rolled out in phases. From 26 October, it will open to the rest of the recommended population.
According to the Department of Health of the Generalitat, this autumn's vaccination campaign is already underway. Its aim is to curb the usual rise in respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19, colds, and bronchiolitis, which tend to spike with the cold.
The initiative, dubbed Getting vaccinated is caring, aims to encourage people to get vaccinated not only for their own health but also to protect those around them. While most people recover from the flu without issues, it can lead to pneumonia, exacerbate pre-existing illnesses, and necessitate hospital or ICU admission.
The 2026-2027 campaign is being rolled out in phases. It began on 5 October with the highest-risk groups, namely people aged 80 and over, residents of care homes, and children. From 26 October, it will open to the rest of the recommended population.
In this second phase, the combined vaccine against flu and COVID-19 is aimed at people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, users of social health centres, and patients with chronic conditions. It is also recommended for healthcare workers, caregivers, and household members of vulnerable individuals.
The flu-only vaccine has another group of recipients. It includes children aged between 6 months and 4 years, teaching staff, workers in essential services such as police or firefighters, pharmacy staff, and those with occupational exposure to animals. Health authorities stress that the risk of complications increases with age, so the recommendation also applies to those in good health.
Getting vaccinated every year has a strong rationale. Flu viruses mutate, and vaccines are adapted to the circulating variants each season, while the protection from a vaccine or previous infection diminishes over time. This year, the recommendations for both vaccines are made separately, although those who need to receive both can do so on the same day.
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as discomfort at the injection site or general malaise. Vaccination does not completely eliminate the risk of infection, but it reduces severe cases and the pressure on primary care centres and emergency services during winter.
To book an appointment, you can call your primary care centre directly. It is also possible to do so online via Cita Salut or La Meva Salut, in the appointments section, selecting the vaccination option.
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