Madrid's 2026/2027 flu campaign began on 5 October with 1.79 million doses. Children through age seven are now covered, while people over 70 and at-risk patients can receive flu and Covid vaccines in one visit.
On 5 October, the Comunidad de Madrid began its 2026/2027 flu vaccination campaign. The region bought 1.79 million doses. During the first two weeks, priority goes to vulnerable people and children from six months to seven years.
People over 70 and those with risk conditions can receive flu and Covid vaccines at the same appointment. Europa Press and other regional media reported the opening details.
The child programme has grown.
The 2026/2027 campaign began on 5 October. During its first two weeks, priority is being given to people aged 60 and over and children from six months to seven years.
Children from six months to four years were already covered last season. The new schedule now reaches children aged five to seven. Laura Gutiérrez, the vice-counsellor for Health, said the change followed higher flu incidence in these age groups. The plan is to protect children and reduce spread within families.
From 19 October, vaccination will open to the other groups covered by the programme. They include pregnant women, people with chronic cardiovascular, respiratory or kidney conditions, diabetics, carers of vulnerable people and smokers.
Madrid has more doses ready.
During the opening two weeks, the priority group is defined not only by age: children from six months to seven years are included alongside people aged 60 and over. This sequencing is intended to give the groups covered by the expanded programme early access to vaccination.
The Dirección General de Salud Pública has set aside more than 19 million euros for the purchase. The supply includes 1.117 million adjuvanted vaccines for people aged 60 and over.
Another 540,000 standard inactivated doses are for at-risk people aged eight to 59 and children from six months to two years. Madrid also bought 130,000 intranasal doses for children aged two to seven.
Madrid wants vaccination coverage to reach at least 75% among people over 60 and pregnant women. The target is 60% for healthcare workers, social care workers and children.
Last season, coverage reached 65% among people over 65, 45% among children and 60% among pregnant women. The previous figures fell short of the new targets.
People over 70 and those with risk conditions can receive both vaccines from the start of the campaign. The Covid doses have been adapted to the XFG subvariant, in line with national and international recommendations.
Flu levels in Madrid are currently lower than during the 2025/2026 season. Regional health authorities expect cases to rise from the end of September. They expect the peak in early November.
Residents can get a free flu jab at around 850 health centres and clinics run by the Servicio Madrileño de Salud. Public and private hospitals are also taking part. So are the Ayuntamiento de Madrid's Centros Municipales de Salud Comunitaria, accredited private medical centres and the Centro de Vacunación de la Comunidad de Madrid.
Care homes and other institutions are included too.
Primary care appointments can be booked in person or by telephone. Residents can also use digital kiosks, the Tarjeta Sanitaria Virtual, the Cita Sanitaria applications or the Comunidad de Madrid website.
The regional vaccination centre also offers combined flu and Covid appointments. The same service is available at public hospitals for patients with risk conditions, the Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal, care homes and selected occupational risk prevention services.
The earlier flu prevention analysis placed access and vaccination coverage at the centre of prevention policy: flu prevention analysis.
The campaign is due to run until 31 January 2027. The date may change if epidemiological conditions require it.
Madrid has widened eligibility for children and set clear coverage goals. The previous season's figures show the gap the region still needs to close. Success will depend on whether residents use the health centres and other access points already available.
