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Anyone aged 75 or over in Andalucía will be able to get the high dose flu vaccine this season, five years earlier than before. The age limit was previously 80, and it's the biggest change in this year's flu and Covid campaign, which begins on Thursday October 1.

 

Health minister Antonio Sanz told a parliamentary committee the aim is to "protect the most vulnerable groups as soon as possible". The timing coincides with a slight rise in flu and Covid cases across Spain. Health services have noticed a rise in the two in both primary care and hospitals, though Sanz stressed the situation remains low and it's too early to talk of an epidemic wave. The regional government will watch closely over the coming weeks.

 

The first to be called are children from six months to just under five and their teachers, pregnant women, and youngsters aged 5 to 17 with health conditions or risk factors. New this year, residents of care homes and disability centres, the people who look after them, and health and social care staff can also be vaccinated from day one. Last year they were added to the schedule later.

 

From Wednesday October 7, the campaign opens to over 80s, people with high dependency living at home and their regular carers. Over 70s and adults under 60 with underlying conditions follow on Wednesday October 14. Then, from Wednesday October 21, it's the turn of everyone aged 60 and over, members of the state security forces, firefighters, prison staff and people who work with animals.

 

Last year, 1,939,424 Andalusians had the flu jab, a figure Sanz said was "above the historical record", while 778,824 had the Covid vaccine. "Andalusia has one of the most comprehensive vaccination schedules in the entire National Health System, and we want to continue strengthening it," he added.