In a statement, the DGS says it has published the rules for the seasonal vaccination campaign against flu and Covid-19, which define the eligible groups, the vaccines to be used, the vaccination schedules and the technical procedures associated with vaccination.

The entity reveals that, in the SNS health units, vaccination is recommended and free of charge for people aged 60 or over, professionals and users/residents of residential structures for the elderly (ERPI), and the National Network of Integrated Continuing Care (RNCCI) and people with risk pathologies.

Vaccination in SNS units is also recommended for pregnant women and professionals in health services (public and private) and other health care services, students on clinical placements, firefighters involved in transporting patients, caregivers of dependent people and pharmaceutical distribution professionals, homeless people and prisons.

In community pharmacies, vaccination is recommended for users between 60 and 84 years of age and health professionals in pharmacies.

“Booster vaccination with a new dose of the flu and COVID-19 vaccine each autumn-winter season (when the circulation of respiratory viruses is most intense) is essential to prevent infections by these viruses that result in serious illness, hospitalization and death, significantly reducing the burden on health services”, highlights the DGS.

For the 2024-2025 campaign, the DGS stresses that “sufficient flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been purchased for all eligible individuals who show an interest in being vaccinated”.

This year, the booster dose of the flu vaccination will be extended to people aged 85 or over, in addition to people living in ERPI, similar institutions and the national network of integrated continuing care (RNCCI).

The Government will spend 7.6 million euros on vaccination against Covid-19 and flu in pharmacies and wants to have more people vaccinated by the end of November.