Osakidetza and the Basque Government's Department of Health have launched the 2026 flu vaccination campaign at the Dr. Areilza health center in Bilbao. The campaign began on September 28th for institutionalized individuals and children up to 5 years old, and will extend to other target populations on October 5th. By November 2nd, vaccination will be available to all citizens.
The campaign slogan, “Caring for yourself is also caring. Get vaccinated”, highlights the importance of early vaccination for the most vulnerable groups: children aged 6 months to 5 years, institutionalized individuals over 60, patients with risk conditions, pregnant women, and vulnerable children. Additionally, Osakidetza will open new txertogunes (walk-in vaccination points) across the three historical territories.
Osakidetza has strengthened its vaccination team by hiring 225 nurses and 85 administrative staff. As in previous years, alongside the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to at-risk groups.
At the launch event, the Minister of Health, Alberto Martinez, the Director General of Osakidetza, Lore Bilbao, Osakidetza epidemiologist Pello Latasa, and Osakidetza Deputy Director of Nursing María Lopez de Gamiz participated. Minister Martinez emphasized vaccination as the best individual and group protection against the flu, recalling that 603,083 doses were administered last year, an increase of 10.8%.
Osakidetza will expand vaccination points, extend operating hours, and provide special attention to various groups, particularly children. New txertogunes will be opened for walk-in vaccinations from October 19th to November 1st. In the capital cities (Bilbao, Donostia, and Vitoria-Gasteiz), these points will operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including weekends, with some exceptions.
The current incidence of flu in Euskadi is in an initial phase, similar to last year, with 4.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite this, Osakidetza hospitals have prepared contingency plans with reserved beds.
The campaign's objective is to vaccinate as many people as possible and increase vaccination coverage. Last year, 603,083 doses were administered. This year, the same goal is pursued, and COVID-19 vaccination will also be offered, especially to those over 65 years old.
To request an appointment, citizens can use the Osakidetza website or phone. Individuals over 80 years old will be contacted by phone to offer them an appointment. Additionally, SMS and WhatsApp messages will be sent as invitations.
