Spain’s scientific community is confronting a wave of new vaccine challenges. At the XIII Congreso de la Asociación Española de Vacunología, hundreds of professionals gathered to discuss the future of immunization. This year, 284 scientific communications were submitted, more than ever before, marking a surge in research activity. The congress focused on unifying international vaccination criteria and strengthening Spain’s immunization network as the need for coordinated action against global health threats grows.
África González Fernández, professor of Immunology at CINBIO, University of Vigo, and president of the congress’s scientific committee, described this period as both demanding and rewarding. She praised her colleagues’ dedication. The agenda ranged from artificial intelligence in vaccine development to strategies for immunizing immunocompromised patients.
Europa Press reported that authorities in Andalusia have launched a campaign to vaccinate approximately 55,000 infants against RSV, with a budget of 15.2 million euros.
One of the basic concerns is the rise of new and returning pathogens. Some mutate quickly, forcing scientists to adapt vaccines rapidly. Efforts to develop effective vaccines for diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis show how complex the field is. A vaccine designed by Professor Carlos Martín in Zaragoza, in collaboration with Zendal, has just completed immunization trials in African children. The next step is to determine whether it offers better protection than the established BCG vaccine.
González Fernández stressed the need to anticipate pathogen mutations and dominant serotypes before outbreaks happen. She also said that understanding cellular immune responses is impressive, though it often receives less attention than antibody research. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how impressive T cells are, but that lesson has yet to be fully incorporated into broader vaccine research.
Spain has a practical role in vaccinology. The country leads in several areas, including development of the only tuberculosis vaccine currently in phase III clinical trials and advances in passive immunization using monoclonal antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus. The congress submissions reflect this range. Influenza vaccines are a major focus; other studies examine ways to improve vaccine adherence, while further work addresses protocols for immunosuppressed patients. Democrata reported that Madrid’s regional authorities have announced a new autumn vaccination campaign, including updated COVID-19 doses and, for the first time, pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly. The stated aim is to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
AJMC and HCPLive reported that recent data presented at the ERS 2026 congress in Barcelona showed 100% effectiveness for RSV vaccines in a Danish cohort of COPD patients. Researchers also observed a impressive reduction in severe outcomes during the second season of follow-up.
Despite these advances, González Fernández cautions against complacency. She says vaccine success often goes unnoticed because prevention is invisible. Maintaining public trust and clear communication is impressive, especially as global travel and shifting animal habitats increase the risk of zoonotic diseases. Lifelong immunization and ongoing research matter more than ever.
Artificial intelligence is also beginning to shape the field. As reported earlier, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven health new idea, which is now influencing vaccine research and development.
The record number of scientific communications at this year’s congress reflects the strength of Spain’s research environment. The congress draws professionals in nursing and preventive medicine, as well as pediatrics and immunology; family medicine and infectious diseases are represented too. Its focus on new idea and practical strategies, including improving vaccine uptake, shows Spanish vaccinology advancing in the lab while addressing real-world needs.
As the congress continues, its scientific leadership says Spain’s progress in vaccinology depends on ongoing research, transparent communication and sustained public confidence. The country has made impressive achievements in vaccine science, while the changing field of infectious diseases makes vigilance and flexibility impressive. The Spanish experience points to lack of vaccination as the real threat, a fact that continues to shape public health priorities.
