The Junta de Extremadura announced on 23 September 2026 that a school-based flu vaccination campaign for children aged aged 3 to 11 would begin. Accordingly, vaccinations will be offered from 1 to 15 October at 466 schools in the region. Prior written consent from parentsis required. The initiative is aimed at the second cycle of early childhood education and primary education.
According to the regional government, the doses will be administered at educational establishments. Preference will be given to an intranasal vaccine which is considered non-invasive and has been developed specifically for children. The campaign is being organised by the Extremadura Health Service in coordination with the schools. The Junta de Extremadura places the initiative within its strategy to prevent respiratory diseases during the 2026/2027 season.
The move follows a broader expansion of recommendations for childhood influenza vaccination in several Autonomous Communities. Extremadura had previously prepared decisions on the procurement and funding of the vaccines. The regional government says that delivering the programme at schools is intended to increase uptake and reduce travel and waiting times for families.
Health authorities point out that there may be contraindications for certain groups. Live attenuated intranasal vaccines, for example, are not suitable for severely immunosuppressed children. Families will receive information and consent forms in advance; the decision to vaccinate is made by the care team in accordance with medical criteria. It is noted that reliable protection can generally only be expected after about two weeks.
Officials point to possible benefits of a higher vaccination rate in this age group: fewer transmissions in households and community settings could reduce the number of severe cases and hospitalisations in autumn. At the same time, school operators and professional associations stress the need for clear information, adequate staffing for mobile teams and smooth coordination with school management, to ensure that teaching and logistics are properly coordinated.
The data and key points cited were made public on 23 September. The start date 1 October 2026 is still in the future at the time of the announcement; changes to the schedule and scope are therefore possible and, according to the Junta de Extremadura, would be communicated in good time.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).