Who can get the flu vaccine in Spain? How do you get it and can you get it if you’re not in the public health system? Find out everything you need to know about getting your flu shot in Spain this winter.
Each year around autumn, health systems in each region of the country prepare the flu vaccine campaign in order to vaccinate the most vulnerable parts of population before the arrival of winter when cases of the virus increase.
As well as the flu vaccine, health centres will also be giving out Covid-19 boosters around the same time.
Some regions started their vaccine campaigns as early as the end of September this year, while others began in October or are just starting them now.
Who can get the flu vaccine in Spain?
Anyone can get the flu vaccine in Spain but it is recommended for certain higher risk groups:
- People over the age of 60
- Babies and children between 6 months and 5 years
- People with chronic illnesses
- Pregnant women and up to six months post-partum
- Healthcare personnel or those who work with the elderly
- People who are immunosuppressed and people living with those who have a high degree of immunosuppression
- People with direct occupational exposure to farm animals or their secretion
- State security forces
Those with cognitive disorders, celiac disease and smokers are also at greater risk of complications from flu, so if you fall into one of the those categories it’s best to contact your GP or local health clinic and find out if you need the vaccine.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the estimated incidence of the flu virus during the 2024-2025 season was 35.6 percent higher than the previous season, but the severity was lower.
READ ALSO: How to apply for a public health card in Spain
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Where can I get a flu vaccine?
Local public health clinics
If you are registered with social security in Spain and have public health care, you will typically be registered with your local health clinic. In this case, if you are in one of the at-risk groups, you will usually be contacted about having the flu vaccine. If no one contacts you, but you are in an at-risk category, then you should contact your doctor or nurse to find out about getting one.
Private health clinics
If you have private healthcare in Spain, you can contact your private clinic about getting a vaccine.
Private health insurance does not tend to cover flu vaccines and you may have to visit your private doctor first to get a prescription and then purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy.
The price of a pre-filled syringe for single use ranges between €14.83 and €49.95 (with VAT), depending on the type of vaccine – there are several different ones available in Spain.
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What if I’m not at-risk, can I still get the vaccine?
If you do not fall into any of the categories above, the Ministry of Health have said: “Considering the epidemiological situation and the immunity acquired by the population, vaccination against influenza is not justified in people not included in the target groups described above”.
Those who aren’t in high-risk groups can still get the flu vaccine but may need a doctor’s prescription and to pay for the vaccine themselves.
I am a tourist in Spain, can I get the flu vaccine here?
Generally flu vaccines are not offered to tourists in Spain, but if you have a prescription from a doctor back home, you may be able to use it here to purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy. Pharmacies in Spain aren’t allowed to administer the vaccine though, so you may have to make an appointment at a private clinic for nurse to give it to you.
