Gibraltar Health Authority Launches 2025 Flu Vaccination Campaign on October 13

The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) has announced the commencement of its 2025 Flu Vaccination Campaign, set to begin on Monday, October 13, 2025. This annual initiative aims to protect the community of Gibraltar against the influenza virus ahead of the upcoming flu season.

Eligibility and Vaccination Channels

The GHA's campaign prioritizes several key groups to ensure maximum protection for the most vulnerable. Eligible individuals for the annual flu vaccine include:

• Those aged 50 and over.
• Individuals with long-term health conditions, or those who care for someone with such conditions.
• Pregnant women.
• Healthcare and care workers.
• Residents in long-term care facilities, including the Elderly Residential Services.

The children's intranasal flu vaccination programme will continue to be administered through local schools. Additionally, eligible individuals aged 12 and over can attend walk-in vaccination sessions.

Access Points and Schedule

Vaccinations will be available at multiple convenient locations across Gibraltar. The Primary Care Centre will host walk-in vaccination sessions from Monday to Friday, between 1pm and 4pm, for eligible individuals aged 12 and over. To further improve accessibility, the GHA's Mobile Health Unit will offer the flu vaccine at Casemates Square between 9am and 1pm on specific dates:

• October 13–16
• October 18
• October 20–23
• October 25
• November 1

Official Call to Action and Public Health Message

Officials from the GHA have underscored the critical importance of vaccination. Dr. Helen Carter, Director of Public Health, stated, 'Please remember it is extremely important to protect yourself and your loved ones by having this simple, yet effective vaccine.' She highlighted that during last year's flu season, which extended into early this year, 66 people were admitted to St Bernard's Hospital due to influenza, with 30 of those being children. Dr. Carter emphasized that these admissions 'could have easily been avoided by having been vaccinated.' Kevin McGee, GHA Director General, reinforced this message, noting, 'The flu vaccine is a very safe vaccine which has been around for many years with a very good track record.' He urged the public to 'take up the offer of the flu vaccine and keep Gibraltar safe through the upcoming flu season.' Gemma Arias-Vasquez, Minister for Health and Care, also encouraged participation, stating, 'We are encouraging everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of the flu vaccine by attending one of our clinics, walk-in sessions, or the Mobile Health Unit.'

Conclusion

The Gibraltar Health Authority's 2025 Flu Vaccination Campaign represents a proactive measure to safeguard public health. With various accessible vaccination points and clear eligibility criteria, the GHA aims for widespread uptake to mitigate the impact of the flu season on the community and healthcare services.