Madrid – Health authorities in the Spanish region of Castilla y León are bolstering efforts to combat a surge in respiratory illnesses as the winter season approaches. Starting November 28th, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available without appointment at nearly 200 locations across the region on weekends, a move prompted by exceeding the influenza epidemic threshold. Officials are especially focused on increasing vaccination rates among the elderly and young children, who have shown increased susceptibility to infection in recent weeks, with reported increases in cases among those over 75 and children aged 5-14.
Health officials in Castilla y León, Spain, are expanding access to flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, now offering shots without an appointment on weekends starting November 28th. This move aims to increase immunization rates as respiratory illnesses begin to circulate more widely, a critical step in protecting vulnerable populations.
The expanded vaccination availability will be offered at 196 Continuous Care Points (PAC) and Health Centers across the region. Specifically, 14 locations are available in Soria, 20 in Ávila, 25 in Burgos, 23 in León, 8 in El Bierzo, 16 in Palencia, 28 in Salamanca, 19 in Segovia, 11 in Valladolid Oeste, 13 in Valladolid Este, and 19 in Zamora.
Public health officials are urging individuals who are recommended to receive a vaccine – those considered most vulnerable or with pre-existing health conditions – to get vaccinated before the peak of flu and COVID-19 seasons. The region recently surpassed the epidemic threshold for influenza cases, reporting 51 cases per 100,000 inhabitants as of last week, exceeding the limit of 50.
The increase in flu cases is particularly noticeable among children aged 5 to 14, though health authorities have also observed a rise in respiratory infections among individuals over the age of 75. This trend prompted the decision to extend vaccination hours to include weekends.
Vaccinations remain available Monday through Friday during regular business hours at local health centers, and healthcare professionals can also administer vaccines at their workplaces. The vaccination campaign for both flu and COVID-19 began on October 14th for all recommended groups, following earlier vaccinations for residents of institutional settings and prioritized populations, including children aged 6 months to 8 years and pregnant women.
As of November 17th, a total of 545,037 people in Castilla y León have received a flu vaccine, representing 48.7% coverage among those over 60. Officials are making a special appeal to this age group to increase their immunization rates as quickly as possible. Increasing vaccination coverage is essential to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and protect those at highest risk of severe illness.
Prevention
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent respiratory infections like the flu and their associated complications. In addition to vaccination, several preventative measures are recommended to limit the spread of illness:
- Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow or a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid reusing tissues after coughing or sneezing.
- Limit contact with others if you are feeling unwell, have a fever, or experience other flu symptoms to prevent transmission.
- Consider wearing a mask if you have respiratory symptoms. Mask use is also recommended for vulnerable individuals, such as older adults or those with weakened immune systems, particularly in indoor spaces, as they may have a reduced response to vaccines and a higher risk of severe illness.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces, especially crowded areas.
