GHA Flu Vaccination Programme 2026/27: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is an annual vaccination that helps protect against the influenza virus. It is typically updated each year to protect against the most common strains predicted for the upcoming flu season.

2. Why should I get the flu vaccine?

Getting vaccinated helps protect you from flu, which can be a serious illness. Vaccination also helps reduce the spread of flu to others, particularly those who are more vulnerable, including older people, young children and people with certain health conditions.

Although vaccination may not prevent every infection, it helps reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. This is why annual flu vaccination is recommended.

During the 2025/26 flu season in Gibraltar:

• 205 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were recorded.
• 69 people were admitted to hospital due to the effects of flu, including 17 children and 52 adults.
• A further 19 patients tested positive for flu while already admitted to St Bernard’s Hospital.
• Of these 88 hospital inpatients, 74 were unvaccinated.

3. Who should get the flu vaccine?

The GHA will offer flu vaccinations in two phases.

Phase 1: Priority groups

Phase 1 will be offered to:

• People of any age who are severely immunocompromised.*
• People aged 60 years and over.
• Residents of Elderly Residential Services (ERS) and long-stay hospital patients.

Phase 1 is scheduled to last approximately six weeks, although this may be shortened if the vaccines ordered for Phase 2 arrive earlier than expected.

Phase 2: Remaining eligible groups

Start date to be confirmed.

Phase 2 will be offered to:

• People aged 50 years and over.
• People with chronic long-term conditions.
• People who have significant contact with someone with a long-term condition.
• Pregnant women.
• Health and social care workers.
• People living in long-stay residential settings.

The start date will be announced once additional vaccine supplies are received. Those eligible during Phase 2 will be able to book an appointment with the GHA or attend the Mobile Health Unit.

*Severely immunocompromised patients:
The GHA has identified eligible patients using clinical records, including EMIS diagnostic coding, prescribed immunosuppressive medications, biologics and targeted therapies, Pharmacy records of chemotherapy patients, and information from Sponsored Patients regarding radiotherapy. Although these records may not identify every eligible individual, the combined approach is expected to identify the vast majority.

Flu vaccination for children

The intranasal flu vaccine will be offered by Health Visitors through the annual school vaccination programme and the Children’s Health Centre (CHC).

The children’s school vaccination programme is unaffected by the current vaccine supply delay and will proceed as planned.

The school vaccination schedule is currently being finalised and will be communicated to parents through the usual channels.

If your child is absent or unable to receive the vaccine on the scheduled day, please contact the CHC on 20003351 to arrange vaccination during Phase 2.

Older children will be able to access vaccination through the CHC as part of Phase 2.

4. How can I get the flu vaccine?

During Phase 1, vaccinations will be available through the Mobile Health Unit or by appointment at the Primary Care Centre.

Mobile Health Unit

The Mobile Health Unit will offer vaccinations from Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00am to 1:00pm.

During Phase 1, the Mobile Health Unit will only vaccinate people aged 60 years and over.

October 2026 vaccination schedule:

Any changes to the Mobile Health Unit schedule will be announced through the GHA’s official social media channels.

Anyone who believes they are severely immunocompromised but has not been contacted by Friday 16 October 2026 should call 20066966.

Primary Care Centre

Vaccinations at the Primary Care Centre will be available by appointment only. Walk-in appointments will not be available.

Eligible patients can book by calling 20066966, Monday to Friday, between 9:00am and 3:00pm.

Telephone bookings open on Monday 5 October 2026.

Patients identified as severely immunocompromised will be contacted directly by telephone and offered an appointment. If you believe you are eligible but have not been contacted by Friday 16 October 2026, please call 20066966.

5. Why is the GHA using a two-phase approach?

There have been issues with the vaccine manufacturing process in the United Kingdom.

The GHA will receive vaccines in separate batches once they have passed the required quality assurance checks.

These circumstances are outside the GHA’s control, as the vaccines were ordered within the same timeframe as in previous years.

The GHA will initially use its existing supply of seasonal flu vaccines in Gibraltar while awaiting further deliveries. All quantities ordered are anticipated to arrive by the end of November 2026.

The two-phase approach prioritises those at greatest risk of complications from flu while maintaining the required vaccine safety and quality-control standards.

6. Will I be given the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

The COVID-19 vaccine will not routinely be offered as part of the flu vaccination programme.

However, if you would like to receive both vaccines at the same appointment, please inform the clerical staff when making your booking. This can be arranged on request.

7. Where can I get the flu vaccine?

Please refer to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 eligibility criteria above.

You can book an appointment at the Primary Care Centre by calling 20066966, or attend the Mobile Health Unit if you are eligible.

Your GP can also advise you about vaccination and the two phases of the programme.

8. Can I get the flu vaccine if I am sick?

If you have a mild illness, such as a cold, you can still receive the flu vaccine.

If you have a more severe illness, such as a fever, it is best to wait until you are feeling better before being vaccinated.