The Basque Government’s Health Department and Osakidetza will begin the flu vaccination campaign in the Basque Country on Monday, 28 September 2026, prioritising two particularly vulnerable groups: residents of care and nursing homes, and children aged six months to under five. Health Minister Alberto Martínez announced this in the Basque Parliament’s scrutiny session on 25 September. From 5 October, vaccination will be extended to all other groups included in the campaign.
The early start in care homes is justified by the increased risk of serious complications. For children, vaccination aims both to protect individuals and to reduce transmission in family and school settings. Families can book appointments through the usual health centre channels. Separate indications apply to older children and adolescents with risk factors, following consultation with their centre.
Alongside appointments at health centres, Osakidetza is setting up additional walk-in vaccination services. Three large vaccination sites, accessible without an appointment, will serve as reference points in the three historical territories: PAC San Martín in Araba, the Centro de Salud Sáenz de Buruaga in Bilbao (Bizkaia) and the Centro de Salud de Gros in Donostia (Gipuzkoa). During the campaign period from 19 October to 1 November, these sites will be open daily from 8am to 8pm. The service will also be expanded with further txertogunes in several towns across the three territories, open Monday to Friday afternoons from 3pm to 8pm.
Officials emphasise that vaccination remains the most effective measure for preventing complications, hospital admissions and deaths associated with flu. The additional walk-in sites are intended to reduce practical and scheduling barriers for the public. People can still be vaccinated by appointment at their usual health centre.
No figures on available doses or specific vaccination targets were given at the time of the announcement. The Health Department will provide details of arrangements at individual centres and other locations when the campaign begins. Statements about effectiveness and expected vaccination rates are assessments and depend on factors such as demand, logistics and local information.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).