The Canary Islands’ 2025-2026 flu vaccination campaign is nearing completion after a season marked by an earlier-than-usual epidemic threshold. Incidence rates rose several weeks ahead of schedule, exceeding epidemic levels between November 17th and 23rd, prompting an early activation of healthcare protocols, according to health officials.
The early surge in the virus underscored the importance of epidemiological surveillance and annual vaccination, particularly for individuals over the age of 60. Ángel Gil, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Rey Juan Carlos University, noted that despite the early onset, the Canary Islands’ health services were prepared for the increase in cases, confirming the effectiveness of existing alert systems. “Although it was an early start, the health services were attentive to any change in incidence,” Gil stated.
Vaccination proved effective in preventing severe illness. Álvaro Torres Lana, Director General of Public Health for the Canary Islands Government, emphasized that despite initial concerns about the new variant potentially evading vaccine protection, the vaccine demonstrably prevented severe cases, especially among the elderly, and did not lead to an increase in fatalities. “The vaccine did prevent severe forms, especially in the elderly population, and we have not seen an increase in deaths,” Torres Lana said.
During the initial weeks of the epidemic, hospitals reported an increase in admissions among unvaccinated seniors, increasing their risk of hospitalization and, in some instances, death, Gil warned. He stressed the need to reinforce vaccination efforts within older age groups.
The Directorate General of Public Health reported positive trends in vaccination coverage. “We have increased almost 16 percentage points compared to last year, reaching a coverage close to 65%,” Torres Lana stated, acknowledging that although a significant improvement, it still falls short of the recommended 75%. “We are always looking to improve and there is still room, both in the pediatric population and in the elderly.”
Nationally, coverage rates are similar, with 63.1% of individuals over 65 and 31.7% of those aged 60-64 vaccinated. These figures reflect the challenges in reaching national targets, although some regions have surpassed 60% coverage for those over 60.
The Canary Islands has implemented strategic decisions in recent years to enhance protection for adults and seniors. For the second consecutive year, the 60-64 age group has been included among those targeted for vaccination, with the campaign beginning in mid-October across the archipelago. This is coupled with proactive planning and training. “The flu vaccine starts practically from scratch each season,” Torres Lana explained. “Our team begins as early as May with training and awareness-raising for management, hospitals and, especially, nursing staff, who administer the vaccine.”
Community outreach efforts have too been strengthened, bringing vaccinations to schools and socio-healthcare centers to improve accessibility and build trust. High-dose vaccines have been offered to individuals over 70, those in institutional care, or with significant care dependencies. “Evidence shows that its efficacy is much greater in this population, due to immunosenescence,” Torres Lana noted, adding that these formulations improve immune response without compromising safety.
Gil concurred with the importance of adapting vaccination programs each season. “Research does not stop and we always seek to offer the best protection to the most vulnerable,” he said. Recent studies demonstrate that these vaccines significantly reduce hospitalizations, cardiovascular and respiratory complications, and mortality associated with influenza.
In a country with an aging population, vaccination is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of healthy aging. In Spain, over 12 million people are 60 or older, with the 60-69 age group representing the largest segment requiring vaccination. “The flu remains a very contagious and often underestimated disease,” Gil reminded. It can increase the risk of pneumonia, raise the probability of heart attack or stroke, and exacerbate chronic illnesses, particularly in older adults. It also places considerable strain on the healthcare system.
Public Health officials emphasize the need to continue striving for more equitable protection. “Bringing vaccination closer to where the user is, especially people with mobility problems, and involving social actors and the media is key to debunking myths and improving coverage,” Torres Lana stated.