In 2024, the Community of Madrid will dedicate more than 136 million euros to updating its vaccination schedule, introducing new vaccinations that will strengthen the health of its citizens. Among the novelties, the pneumococcus vaccination for those under 18 and a campaign will be implemented to prevent bronchiolitis in babies.
In addition, it will offer a double dose of human papillomavirus vaccineintended for more than 150,000 men aged 13 to 18, an important step in the fight against this virus. Similarly, it is recommended rotavirus vaccination to all infants from 6 weeks of age, a virus that can cause severe diarrhoea. Similarly, the autumn-winter campaign will cover protection against influenza and COVID-19focusing on vulnerable groups. All this will take place in 816 approved health centers in the region.
Vaccination campaign in the Community of Madrid
THE Community of Madrid has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign against influenza, COVID-19, bronchiolitis and human papillomavirus, with the aim of protecting different population groups.
Flu and COVID-19
The Community of Madrid will begin October 7th the simultaneous vaccination campaign against influenza and COVID-19, administering booster doses in health centers, hospitals and nursing homesas well as in other authorized spaces. This new campaign against influenza will continue until January 31, although it could be extended if the epidemiological situation requires it.
The protection of the people over 60 years old and risk groups, such as the chronically ill and pregnant women. For the second year in a row, influenza vaccination is also recommended for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
The Community of Madrid has acquired more than 1.5 million doses of vaccineincluding 75,000 intranasal doses for the youngest. This initiative, which will be carried out in health centres and approved centres, represents an investment of 19.2 million euros on the part of the regional government over the next three years.
Population at risk
Flu vaccination is primarily aimed at protecting those most at risk. suffer from complications of the virusThe Community of Madrid has established several population groups for which vaccination is recommended, including all people aged 60 or over, regardless of their health status. Also included are children between 6 and 59 months, as well as people between 5 and 59 years old who reside in centres for seniors or those with disabilities.
Those with chronic cardiovascular diseasesneurological or respiratory diseases, and children aged 5 to 18 years who are receiving long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid should also be vaccinated. Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy or up to six months after giving birth, as well as those likely to infect vulnerable groups and personnel of essential public services, are also on the list.
Prior appointment
For request an appointment for the vaccineCitizens can do it at their primary care center. The appointment can be made by phone, through the Community of Madrid website or through the Health Appointment app.
Vaccination will be carried out in health centres, offices and hospitals of the Madrid Health Serviceas well as in other authorized places, including residences and penitentiary centers.
human papillomavirus
The Community of Madrid has expanded its vaccination campaign against the human papilloma virus men between 13 and 18 years oldPreviously, the program focused only on women under 18, with the initial goal of preventing cervical cancer.
Since its implementation in 2008, the initiative has sought to protect the female population, but in 2023, following recommendations from the Public Health Commission of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health SystemIt was also decided to vaccinate men, with the hope of reaching around 150,000 young people.
Bronchiolitis
The vaccination campaign against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)which causes various infections such as bronchiolitis, will begin on October 1 and aims to protect 50,000 babies. The Community of Madrid was a pioneer last year in implementing this preventive measure, administering 44,116 doses and achieving 87% coverage among the target groups.
Thanks to these initiatives, a notable reduction of 65% has been observed cases of RSV infections compared to the previous season, in addition to a decrease of more than 90% in hospitalizations of children under one year old.
To receive the bronchiolitis vaccination, an appointment will be required within nine public hospitalswhich include 12 de Octubre, Infantil Niño Jesús, Gregorio Marañón and La Paz, all in the capital, as well as at Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Sureste in Arganda del Rey, Móstoles, Infanta Cristina in Parla and Henares in Coslada. In addition, babies born between October and March 2025 will receive the vaccine in maternity hospitals before being discharged.
