Flu vaccine for babies in Spain

After more than two years of talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and shots, probes and vaccines, there’s another airborne illness that’s beginning to stake hold on the Spanish population: the regular old flu. Though mild in most cases, the flu can cause hospitalizations, severe complications and even death in vulnerable populations – including babies and children. For that reason, regional governments in Spain are pushing to administer the flu vaccine for babies as well as for the general population on a massive scale in 2022.

What’s more, the lack of care solutions and masking for such a long period of time mean that our bodies have simply not been exposed to the latest strains of the flu. This is evident in the alarming rise in cases of RSV in Spain and in other developed countries.

Spain began its fall/winter Coronavirus campaign in late September 2022, urging vulnerable populations to receive their second booster shot. With it, many healthcare professionals have taken advantage of the positive vaccination campaign to also administer the yearly flu shot at the same. Primarily given to older citizens, pediatricians are also asking families to inoculate their children against the flu.

What is the flu? Why should families be concerned?

The flu is a contagious, airborne disease that is characterized by feeling unwell, and symptoms can include fever, headache, runny nose, sneezing, cough, chills, a sore throat and body pain. In children, a flu is most often manifested with fever and other cold-like symptoms, and small children will often refuse to eat and be fussier than normal or cry without apparent reason.

There is reason to consider vaccination against the flu for your young children: the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States estimates that close to 25,000 children have been hospitalized in the last decade for the flu; chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, nervous system disorders can exacerbate symptoms, and children 5 and under are especially vulnerable to being hospitalized by the flu.

When is flu vaccination season in Spain?

Typically, the flu vaccine campaign begins in mid-October. Below is a calendar for when and how various autonomous communities are vaccinating against the flu in 2022.

• Andalucía: from October 17.

• Aragón: with your second Coronavirus booster.

• Asturias: with your second Coronavirus booster.

• Islas Baleares: from October 13

• Islas Canarias: between the third week of October and the first of November.

• Cantabria: from the third week of October until the first of November.

• Castilla La Mancha: still under revision.

• Castilla y León: with your second Coronavirus booster.

• Cataluña: with your second Coronavirus booster.

• Comunidad de Madrid: from October 17.

• Comunidad Valenciana: still under revision.

• Extremadura: with your second Coronavirus booster.

• Galicia: with your second Coronavirus booster.

• Navarra: From October 10.

• País Vasco: From October 3 for vulnerable populations and from November 1 for all residents.

• Región de Murcia: with your second Coronavirus booster.

Remember that children are exempt from these timelines and may get the shot whenever they are available.

Who should get the flu vaccine for babies?

The flu vaccine for babies is safe from six months, and it can be administered orally or via syringe. Pediatricians suggest that all children receive the flu vaccine yearly.

Babies under six months should not receive the vaccine but rather have the mother pass antibodies on while the baby is still in utero. This can be done by the mother receiving a flu shot during the vaccine campaign.

Is the flu vaccine for babies mandatory?

No. That said, the Asociación Española de Pediatria, the national governing body for pediatric doctors in Spain, includes the yearly flu vaccine in their recommended vaccine calendar from 6 months until 59 months of age (and the SARS-CoV-2from five years). This will save on costs and make access even easier.

Are there any common negative side effects of the flu vaccine?

For the most part, general malady, like a weak flu, is the most common side effect, and the symptoms will persist for one or two days.

• Tender under arm where the shot was administered
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Chills
• Nausea
• Low fever

In the case of the nasal spray, a child may also experience congestion, a runny nose or even vomiting.

Does my child need to get the flu vaccine for babies every year?

The overwhelming consensus is that, yes, children between six months and five years should get vaccinated against the flu every year. In fact, the Spanish Ministry of Health announced that they would finance the vaccine for all children within that age range; currently, only residents and citizens ages 65 and over may be inoculated against the flu free of charge.

What’s more, you should heavily consider getting a flu vaccine if you are pregnant during the flu season.

How can I get a flu vaccine for babies in Spain?

If your child is in the national health care system, simply make an appointment for the child in your local health center.

Those who have private insurance can buy the flu vaccine for babies and for the general population at pharmacies, so long as there is availability. Simply pay, then make an appointment at a healthcare center to be inoculated; the approximate cost is 20€ for the intravenous method and 37€ for the nasal vaccine.

Are flu vaccines for babies covered by insurance?

For the general population, no. As previously stated, in 2023-24 the Spanish government will make this vaccine available for children five years and under and include the flu shot in the vaccination card for those who are in the national healthcare system.

If you’re concerned about multiple hospital trips, looking into private insurance for your family could save you time and money: in the case of Caser’s family insurance, you’ll have all of the benefits of private insurance plus all types of hospitalization, 24-hour medical assistance and even emergency home visits covered for your entire family.

The takeaway

This year’s flu season is hitting much earlier and stronger than in recent memory due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors and pediatricians are urging the entire population to be vaccinated to prevent serious side effects of the flu, and the flu vaccine is readily available and wallet-friendly from those older than six months.