Por la mañana y pasado el mediodía, largas colas en 8, 41 y 42 / el dia
Long lines are forming at health centers in the La Plata region as Argentina launches its 2026 flu vaccination campaign early, driven by concerns over new virus variants. What is typically a quick process is now requiring a significant time commitment from residents, with wait times exceeding five hours in some locations.
The surge in demand began Wednesday, March 12, 2026, and is impacting hospitals throughout the Province, the Central Vaccination Center, and various Primary Health Care Centers (CAPS) in the city. The early start of the campaign, prompted by the spread of the “subclade K” variant, combined with the cost of the vaccine – around 70,000 pesos at pharmacies – is driving people to utilize the free public system.
RESIDENTS REPORT EXTENDED WAITS
Frustration over the delays was evident Friday, March 14, 2026, particularly at the vaccination center on streets 8, 41, and 42, one of the busiest locations. “I arrived at 8 a.m. And still hadn’t received the vaccine by 1:30 p.m.,” one resident reported while waiting in line. Similar scenes are unfolding across different neighborhoods, as healthcare staff work to meet an unexpectedly high demand.
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination due to the severity of the currently circulating influenza A (H3N2) strain, which caused significant illness during the winter months in Europe and the United States. The virus’s aggressive nature and high contagiousness, amplified by the recent variant, have raised concerns in the region. According to the Provincial Ministry of Health, the goal of the expanded vaccination effort is to reduce hospitalization and mortality rates among vulnerable populations.
Currently, vaccination is limited to healthcare personnel and individuals over the age of 65.
The campaign will expand beginning Monday, March 23, 2026, to include pregnant individuals (at any stage of pregnancy), women within 10 days postpartum, children aged 6 months to 2 years, essential workers, and individuals between 2 and 64 years of age with underlying health conditions, who will need to provide medical certification.
A medical order is not required for vaccination, and the flu shot can be administered alongside other vaccines on the national immunization schedule. Residents are advised to bring their national ID and vaccination record card.
