The Valencian Community has revised its routine vaccination schedule, adding a meningococcal B dose at age 12, extending HPV coverage to age 25 and widening protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for certain adults, according to castellonaldia.elmundo.es. The regional health ministry (Conselleria de Sanidad) published the resolution in the region's official gazette (DOGV), and the changes take effect on Wednesday, the outlet reports.
Why it matters
The revision shifts the region's immunisation strategy toward adolescence and adulthood, not just early childhood. According to castellonaldia.elmundo.es, the regional government says the update reflects current scientific evidence and the needs of different stages of life.
The meningococcal change is the most visible. Until now, the meningococcal B vaccine was given only in infancy, with doses at 2, 4 and 12 months. Under the new schedule, 12-year-olds will receive a booster to reinforce the immunity they gained as babies, and teenagers who were never vaccinated in childhood can start the course.
Invasive meningococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, can lead to meningitis or severe sepsis within hours. Cases are relatively rare, but the region treats the disease as a public health priority because it progresses quickly and can leave lasting harm in previously healthy people, including deafness, neurological damage or amputations. Castellonaldia.elmundo.es notes that serogroup B remains the leading cause of these cases in Spain.
HPV catch-up campaign for men and unvaccinated women
The second change targets human papillomavirus (HPV), which is closely linked to cancers of the cervix, penis, anus and oropharynx. The region has decided to offer HPV vaccination up to age 25, opening a catch-up campaign for men born between 2001 and 2010 and for women in that age range who have not been immunised, according to castellonaldia.elmundo.es.
The standard dose for boys and girls at age 12 remains in place. The extension is aimed at people who missed the routine offer, giving them a chance to be protected later in adolescence or early adulthood.
RSV cover widened for very high-risk adults
The third change concerns RSV. After covering people over 60 in care homes, the region is extending vaccination to adults over 18 with conditions that put them at very high risk. Castellonaldia.elmundo.es lists transplant recipients, patients with blood cancers under active treatment, people with severe immunodeficiency, those with advanced HIV and patients on chronic dialysis among the eligible groups.
The stated aim is to prevent hospital admissions and serious complications in the most vulnerable patients.
The updated schedule applies across the region's public health system from Wednesday. What to watch next is how quickly the catch-up campaigns reach eligible teenagers and adults, and whether other regions follow the Valencian Community in extending HPV and RSV cover.
