Canarian Health Department Vaccinates Over 210,000 Against Flu, Encourages COVID-19 Vaccination for At-Risk Groups
The Canarian Government’s Health Department, through the Service Canario de la Salud (SCS), has administered a total of 210,826 flu vaccine doses since the start of the campaign on October 15. The department reminds residents that they can still access both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to prevent severe illness from these diseases.
Vaccinations can be received without an appointment at health centers in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Alternatively, appointments can be scheduled by calling 012 or the toll-free numbers 928 301 012 and 922 470 012.
Vaccination Figures by Island
- Tenerife: 87,705 doses
- Gran Canaria: 87,089 doses
- Lanzarote: 14,523 doses
- Fuerteventura: 9,059 doses
- La Palma: 8,632 doses
- La Gomera: 2,756 doses
- El Hierro: 1,062 doses
Flu Vaccine Acquisition and Distribution
The SCS has acquired 295,000 doses of the flu vaccine for the 2024-25 season at a total cost of €2,151,056. The vaccination is free of charge for SCS users and is available to at-risk groups, essential professionals, and individuals who may transmit the virus to those with a high risk of complications.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status
As of now, 101,194 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered across the Canary Islands.
- Gran Canaria: 46,612 doses
- Tenerife: 39,565 doses
- Lanzarote: 7,555 doses
- Fuerteventura: 3,706 doses
- La Palma: 2,868 doses
- La Gomera: 667 doses
- El Hierro: 221 doses
The Direction General de Salud Pública stresses the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for at-risk groups, as there has been a decrease in administered doses compared to last year at this time.
At-Risk Groups for Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination is recommended for the following groups:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals aged 60 and older
- People aged 5 and older living in long-term care facilities
- Individuals aged 5 to 59 with chronic illnesses
- Household members of at-risk individuals
- Essential workers
Flu Vaccine Types
Four types of flu vaccines are available this season:
- Quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those 6 months and older (173,170 doses, €637,265)
- Quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those 24 months and older (64,830 doses, €499,191)
- High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines for individuals 60 and older and those with chronic illnesses (27,000 doses, €459,000)
- Pediatric flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 5 and those with specific health conditions (30,000 doses, €555,600)
School-Based Flu Vaccination
This season, influenza vaccinations will be offered in public schools to enhance access, facilitate scheduling, and boost vaccination coverage. Since 2021-2022, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have been offered simultaneously to protect vulnerable individuals and essential workers.
The Importance of Vaccination
The Direction General de Salud Pública highlights that vaccination is crucial for both individual and collective protection against influenza and COVID-19. By getting vaccinated, individuals can shield themselves and their communities from severe illness and potential complications.
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