Azores winter vaccination expands flu protection for young children

Seasonal vaccination against flu and COVID-19 began in the Azores on 30 September 2026 and runs until 31 March 2027. The campaign prepares the region for the months when respiratory infections tend to circulate more widely.

The main change announced for this season extends free flu vaccination to children from six months through age four. This gives more families across the Azores access to the vaccine at no cost for that age group. Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination has also changed, although the published information does not specify the new criteria.

For the first phase, the region purchased 32,600 flu vaccine doses and 14,400 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Regional health director Pedro Paes said supplies could be increased depending on uptake and that the campaign would follow the approach used in previous years.

During the 2025/2026 season, 31,800 flu vaccinations and 8,600 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered in the Azores. According to Paes, demand for flu vaccination has remained steady, while uptake of COVID-19 vaccination has fallen. Demand during the current campaign will help determine whether additional doses are needed.