The Basque Health Service, Osakidetza, has recorded 219,287 appointments for flu shots since the 2026-2027 vaccination campaign began, according to Radio Popular de Bilbao. More than 18,000 of those requests came from children between 6 and 59 months old, a group the campaign treats as a priority.
The drive started on September 28 for people living in social and health care residences and for children aged 6 months to 5 years. It was later opened to the remaining recommended groups.
Why it matters
The appointment figures land as the region's primary care network reports 497 flu diagnoses and 1,516 covid-19 cases to date. Hospitals have admitted 71 patients for flu-related complications, two of them to intensive care, and 51 for covid-19, three of them to critical care units, Radio Popular de Bilbao reports.
Those numbers give the campaign a concrete backdrop. Vaccination uptake among older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions is the main lever health authorities have for keeping flu and covid-19 pressure off hospitals during the months ahead.
Who is being urged to come forward
The Department of Health and Osakidetza have repeated their call for residents to visit health centres or the txertogunes — the dedicated vaccination points set up across the region's three historical territories — to receive their doses.
The appeal is aimed in particular at people over 60, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or COPD, along with children under 5.
Covid-19 vaccination remains recommended for people over 70, vulnerable individuals, pregnant women, social and health care staff, and those living with at-risk patients. Health authorities note that both vaccines can be given together in a single appointment.
Walk-in option for young children from October 19
Families with children aged 6 months to 5 years will be able to attend the txertogunes without a prior appointment starting October 19. The service will be open to the entire target population from 6 months of age. Parents and guardians can either book through their usual health centre or go directly to one of the designated points.
Young children are treated as a key group both because of their risk of complications and because they can pass the virus on within households and schools.
Alongside vaccination, the Department of Health stresses everyday preventive habits: washing hands often, airing indoor rooms, wearing a mask when symptoms appear, and staying away from work or school when a respiratory illness develops.
The next marker to watch is whether the walk-in option lifts uptake among the youngest age group after October 19.
