Osakidetza Launches 2026 Flu Vaccination Campaign With New Walk-in Centers

Osakidetza has launched its 2026 influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign across the Basque Country, acquiring 800,000 flu doses and more than 350,000 COVID-19 doses to curb early viral transmission. The Basque Health Service announced that inoculation efforts began on September 28 for residents in elder care facilities and children up to five years old, following the detection of high influenza incidence rates among infants under one year old. Health officials reported that primary care incidence currently stands at 4.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, placing the virus in an initial phase with values similar to the previous year.

Acquisition of 800,000 Doses and Priority Rollout for Vulnerable Groups

Health Department figures show that Osakidetza purchased nearly 800,000 doses of the influenza vaccine and over 350,000 doses for COVID-19 to manage the autumn and winter season. The campaign operates under the slogan "Cuidarte también es cuidar. Vacúnate" to emphasize collective protection. The Basque Health Service hired 300 new professionals for the effort, consisting of 225 nursing personnel and 85 administrative staff. Infants under one year old currently exhibit the highest incidence rate and serve as primary transmitters, prompting health authorities to urge parents to vaccinate young children. The broader target population includes individuals over 60 years of age, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and individuals diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease. Healthcare workers, social-health personnel, caregivers, and individuals cohabiting with risk groups are also prioritized. Queremos dar facilidades a la gente para que pueda vacunarse, recalcó este jueves el consejero de Salud, Alberto Martínez, al detallar que el Servicio Vasco de Salud ha adoptado dos grandes medidas para lograr esta meta.

Establishment of Thirteen Walk-In Vaccination Sites Across the Basque Region

Osakidetza has established a network of thirteen walk-in vaccination sites, known as txertogunes or vacunódromos, to supplement traditional primary care appointments. These sites open to the general public on October 19, 2026, without requiring prior appointments. Capital city centers in Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián, and Vitoria-Gasteiz will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday, while regional sites will open weekday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Bizkaia features locations such as the Sáenz de Buruaga health center in Bilbao’s Ensanche district as the main center, San Eloy Hospital, the Repélega ambulatorio, and centers in Mungia and Amorebieta, while Álava features the San Martín PAC, following the same schedule of Mondays to Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. These special units will remain operational until November 1, 2026, after which general vaccination continues exclusively through health centers by appointment.

Comparison With Previous Campaign Metrics and Coverage Goals

Osakidetza administered 603,083 flu doses during the previous season, representing a 10.8% increase compared to 2024. Institutionalized persons achieved an 86.4% vaccination coverage rate in 2025, while coverage among individuals over 65 reached 65.3%.

Health officials observed earlier COVID-19 circulation compared to previous years, leading the department to recommend COVID-19 boosters for individuals aged 70 and older while offering immunization to those over 65 upon request. Patients visiting the txertogunes can receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, provided they belong to eligible cohorts.

General Citizen Inoculation Phase Scheduled for November

Invitations to receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will extend to the general public starting November 2, 2026, at all primary health centers. Osakidetza has scheduled more than 50,000 appointments for the initial rollout weeks, including 10,000 reserved for pediatric patients. The entire immunization campaign is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026.