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 at the same appointment.
The Comunidad de Madrid launched its 2026/2027 flu vaccination campaign on 5 October, with 1.79 million doses purchased. During the first two weeks, priority goes to people aged 60 and over and children from six months to seven years.
People over 70 and those with risk conditions can get flu and Covid vaccines at the same appointment. Europa Press and other regional media reported details of the campaign's opening.
Children from six months to four years were already eligible last season; the new schedule extends coverage to children aged five to seven. Laura Gutiérrez, the vice-counsellor for Health, said the change followed higher flu incidence in these age groups. The aim is to protect children and limit spread within families.
From 19 October, vaccination will be available to the programme's other covered groups: pregnant women, people with chronic cardiovascular, respiratory or kidney conditions, diabetics, carers of vulnerable people and smokers.
The Dirección General de Salud Pública has allocated more than 19 million euros for the purchase. The supply includes 1.117 million adjuvanted vaccines for people aged 60 and over.
A further 540,000 standard inactivated doses are intended 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 is targeting vaccination coverage of at least 75% among people over 60 and pregnant women, and 60% among healthcare workers, social care workers and children.
Last season, coverage stood at 65% among people over 65, 45% among children and 60% among pregnant women. All three figures were below the new targets.
People over 70 and those with risk conditions can receive both vaccines from the campaign's start. The Covid doses have been adapted to the XFG subvariant, following national and international recommendations.
Flu levels in Madrid are currently below those recorded during the 2025/2026 season. Regional health authorities expect cases to rise from the end of September and 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 participating, as 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.
Residents can book basic care appointments in person or by telephone. They 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 service is also available at public hospitals for patients with risk conditions, the Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal, care homes and selected occupational risk prevention services.
An earlier flu prevention analysis put access and vaccination coverage basic to prevention policy: flu prevention analysis.
The campaign is scheduled to run until 31 January 2027. The date could change if epidemiological conditions require it.
