Which vaccines are recommended for people over 65 in Spain?
We go through Spain's 2026 common vaccination schedule and the 2026-2027 season recommendations for older people.
In short
- From 65, the 2026 schedule includes flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingles, tetanus and diphtheria, and RSV depending on the season.
- The flu vaccine is recommended every season from 60, and the COVID-19 vaccine from 70 in 2026-2027.
- The shingles vaccine is given at 65 in two doses, and is being extended progressively to people aged 66 to 80.
- The flu and COVID-19 campaign starts from the last week of September and runs through October: ask at your health centre.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Health's 2026 common vaccination schedule, people aged 65 and over in Spain are recommended these vaccines: flu every season, COVID-19 according to the age set for each season (70 in 2026-2027), pneumococcal, shingles, a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster and, progressively, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for specific groups.
Each autonomous community applies the schedule and may extend it, so your health centre is always the final reference.
| What will you find in this article? |
Which vaccines does the schedule include for people over 65?
The common lifelong vaccination and immunisation schedule, approved by the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System on 12 December 2025, lists the following vaccines for people aged 65 and over:
| Vaccine | Recommendation in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Flu | 1 dose every season from age 60 |
| COVID-19 | 1 dose per season according to the age set; in 2026-2027, from age 70 |
| Pneumococcal | Vaccination from age 65 |
| Shingles (herpes zoster) | 2 doses at 65, at least 8 weeks apart |
| Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) | 1 dose around 65 if 5 doses were received in childhood; otherwise complete up to 5 |
| RSV | According to each season's document, starting with risk groups |
When should you get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?
For the 2026-2027 season, the Ministry of Health states that the campaign starts from the last week of September and runs through October, although the date may be adapted depending on vaccine availability. Both vaccines can be given on the same day.
- Flu: recommended for everyone aged 60 or over, as well as other risk groups and people living in care homes.
- COVID-19: recommended for people aged 70 or over, care home residents and people with certain conditions, leaving at least 3 months since the previous dose or infection.
The Ministry also sets the goal of reaching or exceeding 75% coverage among people aged 60 and over for flu and aged 70 and over for COVID-19.
What about pneumococcal and shingles vaccines?
These vaccines are usually given once, not every year, so they are easy to forget. The schedule recommends pneumococcal vaccination from age 65 and shingles vaccination at 65, with 2 doses at least 8 weeks apart.
In addition, regions may progressively invite people aged 66 to 80 for the shingles vaccine, starting with those turning 80. If your mother or father is in that age range, ask at their health centre whether they are now eligible.
And the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine?
RSV is a respiratory virus that can cause serious infections in older people. The Ministry of Health's December 2025 update recommends a single dose for care home residents aged 60 and over and for adults with very high risk conditions.
- It will be introduced gradually across the regions between the 2026-2027 and 2028-2029 seasons.
- Ideally it is given just before the season, from the last week of September.
- It can be given together with the flu, COVID-19 or pneumococcal vaccines.
Some regions extend these recommendations by age, so check with yours.
A practical example: Pilar turns 65 this autumn
Let us take the case of Pilar, who turns 65 in November, takes 5 medicines for blood pressure and cholesterol, and looks after her 88 year old mother, who lives in a care home.
- In October, Pilar books her flu vaccine, which she has been eligible for since 60.
- She takes the opportunity to ask about pneumococcal, shingles and the Td booster when she turns 65.
- For her mother, she checks with the care home whether she has had the flu and COVID-19 vaccines and, if it applies in her region, the RSV vaccine.
- She notes the dates on her medication list so everything is in one place.
How can IMA Health help?
Vaccines are given by the health service, but keeping track of them is easier when the rest of the treatment is organised. IMA Health coordinates with a specialised pharmacy that prepares medication by day and time of each dose, with home delivery and personalised follow-up, so the family has more time for these appointments. Before going to the health centre, these questions for your doctor may be useful.
Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Health: common lifelong vaccination and immunisation schedule 2026
- Spanish Ministry of Health: flu vaccination recommendations, 2026-2027 season
- Spanish Ministry of Health: COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, 2026-2027
- Spanish Ministry of Health: updated assessment of RSV vaccination in adults (December 2025)
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.