The flu vaccination campaign is now open to everyone, not just people in high-risk groups. Last year, 21,995 people were vaccinated in Ibiza and Formentera, while the Balearic Islands have secured more than 289,000 flu vaccine doses for the new season.

The flu vaccination campaign began on Monday, 19 October, at health centres across Ibiza and Formentera, with an important change for anyone looking to protect themselves against the virus: anyone can now book an appointment, regardless of whether they belong to a high-risk group.

The Balearic Islands’ Department of Health has opened vaccination to the entire population and offers three ways to make an appointment: through the Espai Salut app, by calling 971 220 000, or by visiting the relevant health centre in person.

People in high-risk groups may also be offered a flu vaccine when attending their health centre for another reason, without needing to make a separate visit specifically for vaccination.

The campaign had already begun on 5 October in schools and care homes for older people and people with disabilities. It is now being extended to primary healthcare centres.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine First?

Although vaccination is available to everyone, health authorities continue to give particular attention to vulnerable people and those whose work or personal circumstances increase their risk of exposure to, or transmission of, the virus.

Priority groups include pregnant women and women who have recently given birth but were not vaccinated during pregnancy, as well as children aged between six months and 11 years. This also includes children in the second cycle of early childhood education who did not receive the vaccine at school.

Vaccination is also particularly recommended for people aged 11 to 59 with certain underlying health conditions. These include diabetes, morbid obesity and chronic cardiovascular, neurological or respiratory diseases.

The list also covers people with chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, haemoglobin disorders, anaemia, haemophilia, asplenia, liver disease, neuromuscular conditions, immunosuppression, cancer, malignant blood disorders and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Other groups considered at risk include people with conditions that cause cognitive dysfunction, coeliac disease, cerebrospinal fluid leaks or cochlear implants.

Smokers are also included, as are children under 11 receiving long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid to prevent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular complications.

Healthcare Workers, Teachers, Firefighters and Police Officers

The campaign also places particular emphasis on professionals who could pass the virus on to vulnerable people, as well as those working in essential public services.

These groups include healthcare and social care workers, carers and people living with individuals at increased risk. Essential service personnel are also included, such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, Civil Protection staff and volunteers, alongside teachers and other education professionals.

Flu vaccination is also recommended for people who work in direct contact with birds and pigs. This includes veterinarians, livestock workers and environmental officers.

Nearly 22,000 People Vaccinated in Ibiza and Formentera Last Season

The Balearic Islands’ Department of Health aims to improve on last year’s vaccination coverage among high-risk groups and maintain the upward trend recorded over recent seasons.

During the 2025–2026 flu season, 219,096 people were vaccinated across the Balearic Islands, an increase of 31,302 compared with the previous campaign.

The island-by-island figures were:

  • Mallorca: 180,451 people vaccinated.
  • Ibiza and Formentera: 21,995 people vaccinated.
  • Menorca: 16,650 people vaccinated.

To support the new campaign, the Department of Health has purchased 289,090 flu vaccine doses, along with a further 15,500 doses against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Prevention at the Heart of the Balearic Islands’ New Health Strategy

The Balearic government has incorporated the vaccination campaign into its new 2026–2030 Strategic Health Plan for the Balearic Islands, which aims to strengthen prevention across the healthcare system.

The plan seeks to move towards a model in which prevention plays a central role, through screening programmes, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and vaccination.

Its objectives include increasing vaccination coverage, reducing inequalities in access to vaccines and introducing new immunisations when supported by scientific evidence.