Flu jab in Spain: who is offered it and how to get one
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 21 October 2026
The flu jab in Spain: who this season's campaign is for, when it starts, where adults usually get it, and what to do if you are not registered locally.
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Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Each autumn Spain runs a flu vaccine campaign. Many expats are not sure if they are included, or where to go. This guide explains who Spain's health ministry recommends the jab for this season, when the campaign starts, and the usual ways to get it.
- The campaign usually starts in the last week of September or in October and runs while the season lasts.
- It is recommended for everyone aged 60 or over, pregnant women, and people aged 5 to 59 with certain long-term conditions, among others.
- In the public system, the jab is usually given at your local health centre (centro de salud). Each region runs its own campaign.
- A video GP cannot give a jab, but can help you check if you are in a risk group and where to go.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
When does the campaign start?
For the 2026-27 season, the health ministry's advice is to start from the last week of September and through October. The exact dates depend on each region and on vaccine supply. The jab stays available while the flu season lasts.
It takes about two weeks after the jab for protection to build up. Getting it before flu starts to spread in your area is best.
Who is the jab recommended for?
Spain's 2026-27 advice lists several groups. For adults, the main ones are:
- Everyone aged 60 or over.
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy. Those who did not have it can still have it up to six months after the birth.
- People aged 5 to 59 with certain conditions, such as diabetes, severe obesity, long-term heart, lung (including asthma), kidney or liver disease, a weak immune system, cancer, or smoking.
- People who live in care homes or other residential settings.
- Health and care workers, and people in key public services, such as police and firefighters.
- Carers and people who live with someone at high risk, including babies under six months.
- People who work closely with animals, such as farmers and vets.
Children aged 6 to 59 months are also included. The full list is in the ministry's document, linked below.
Where do adults get it?
In the public health system (SNS), the jab is usually given by the nurses at your local health centre, the centro de salud. You normally need to be registered there with a health card. Some regions also run open sessions or let you book online or by app.
The ministry notes that the jab does not need a diagnosis or a prescription for people in the target groups.
If you are not registered in the public system, options depend on your situation:
- Private health insurance: ask your insurer or private clinic. Many offer the jab in autumn.
- Your employer: some offer it at work, especially for health and care staff.
- Your local health centre: ask how they handle people in risk groups who are not yet registered. Rules vary by region.
Our guide to health cover in Spain explains the public and private options.
Is it safe?
The flu jab has been used for many years and is considered safe for most people. Common side effects are a sore arm and, for a day or two, feeling a bit unwell. It cannot give you flu.
Tell the nurse before the jab if you:
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine before.
- Have a fever on the day.
- Have a severe egg allergy, or a weak immune system.
Not sure if you are in a risk group?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish, to talk it through.
COVID-19 vaccine
Spain also offers a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn to some groups, often at the same visit. The groups are similar but not the same. Ask your health centre, or check the ministry's page on flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
If you get flu
Most healthy adults get better with rest, fluids and simple pain relief. Our page on flu care online explains what to watch for.
Call 112 or go to an emergency department if you have:
- Trouble breathing, or breathing that is fast and hard.
- Chest pain.
- Confusion, or great drowsiness.
- Blue lips, or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
How a video GP can help
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults by video, for urgent, non-emergency care. Visits run every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). He does not give vaccines, which need a visit in person. A video visit can help you:
- Check whether your health conditions put you in a risk group.
- Understand where to go for the jab in your situation.
- Get advice if you already have flu-like symptoms.
Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works (15 minutes, €50), or read about travel medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Who should get the flu jab in Spain?
Spain recommends it for everyone aged 60 or over, pregnant women, people aged 5 to 59 with certain long-term conditions, care home residents, health and care workers, and carers of people at high risk, among others.
When does the flu vaccine campaign start in Spain?
For 2026-27, from the last week of September and through October, depending on the region and on supply. The jab stays available while the season lasts.
Where can I get the flu jab in Spain?
In the public system, usually at your local health centre (centro de salud). If you are not registered, ask your private insurer, your employer or your local health centre.
Do I need a prescription for the flu jab?
Not in the public campaign. Spain's guidance says people in the target groups do not need a diagnosis or a prescription to be vaccinated.
Can an online doctor give me the flu jab?
No. A vaccine has to be given in person. A video GP can help you check if you are in a risk group and where to go.
Sources
- Ministry of Health: Flu vaccine recommendations, 2026-27 season (in Spanish)
- Ministry of Health: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
- NHS: Flu vaccine
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
