Spain Updates Flu and Measles Vaccination Guidelines
- Spain is implementing significant updates to its public health immunization strategies, focusing on both the prevention of measles through adjusted childhood schedules and the expansion of high-dose influenza...
- The Pediatric Spanish Association (AEP) has updated its 2025 Vaccination and Immunization Schedule for children, adolescents, and pregnant women.
- This acceleration is a direct response to an increase in measles cases and outbreaks observed in recent years.
Spain is implementing significant updates to its public health immunization strategies, focusing on both the prevention of measles through adjusted childhood schedules and the expansion of high-dose influenza protection for the elderly.
Accelerated Measles Vaccination Schedule
The Pediatric Spanish Association (AEP) has updated its 2025 Vaccination and Immunization Schedule for children, adolescents, and pregnant women. A primary change is the recommendation to advance the second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to 2 years of age.
This acceleration is a direct response to an increase in measles cases and outbreaks observed in recent years. By moving the second dose forward, health authorities aim to close immunity gaps and prevent further transmission of the virus among the pediatric population.
The urgency of measles prevention is further highlighted by international health advisories. As of May 28, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that measles cases are rising in many countries globally. The CDC recommends that all international travelers be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants between 6 and 11 months old.
Expansion of Enhanced Influenza Protection
Parallel to the pediatric updates, regional health authorities in Spain are expanding access to reinforced influenza vaccinations. In Galicia, the administration has announced the expansion of the reinforced flu vaccine to the general population aged 65 to 69 years.
This policy shift ensures that all residents of Galicia aged 65 and older will have access to the reinforced version of the flu vaccine, providing a higher level of protection for the elderly population who are more susceptible to severe complications from the virus.
Public Health Context and Recommendations
These updates reflect a broader effort to adapt immunization protocols to current epidemiological trends. The shift in the MMR schedule specifically targets the prevention of outbreaks in a climate of rising global cases.
For those traveling to Spain, health organizations emphasize the importance of routine vaccinations. The CDC suggests that travelers ensure they are up-to-date on several routine vaccines, including:
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td)
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Polio
- Flu (influenza)
- Shingles
the CDC recommends Hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers to Spain, particularly those visiting rural areas, smaller cities, or those planning to eat street food. Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended for unvaccinated travelers under the age of 60.
Regarding COVID-19, current guidance states that all eligible travelers should remain up to date with their vaccinations.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) further notes that certain vaccinations are recommended for specific medical risk groups, and one dose is recommended for all pregnant women regardless of the trimester of pregnancy.