According to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), "The main new feature of the campaign is the extension of free flu vaccination to all children aged 6 to 23 months".

The health authority explains this decision with national data showing that "this age group has hospitalization and intensive care rates comparable to those recorded among older adults."

It also recommends vaccinating children between the ages of 2 and 4 to prevent serious illness.

The DGS announced in a statement published on its website that the 2025-2026 seasonal fall-winter influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign will take place between September 23 and April 30, 2026, at National Health Service (SNS) health units and community pharmacies.

As in the 2024/2025 season, the high-dose influenza vaccine will be available to all individuals aged 85 and over and to residents of residential facilities for the elderly, similar institutions, and the National Network of Integrated Continuing Care (RNCCI).

According to the DGS, this vaccination will take place at health centers, as in the previous season.

Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 is recommended and free for eligible groups. It takes place at SUS health units for children aged 6 to 23 months and for individuals aged 60 and over, including those aged 85 and over.

The DGS emphasizes that "this campaign aims to reduce individual susceptibility, the burden of disease, and the impact on health services, particularly the use of hospital emergency rooms and hospitalizations for respiratory infections."

According to an ordinance published on August 14, the State will spend €7.6 million on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in pharmacies, the same amount as the previous year.