Murcia leads the way with vaccinations against bronchitis

More than 13,000 people over the age of 50 will be protected from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

The regional councillors for health, Juan José Pedreño, and for social policy, Conchita Ruiz, visited the Virgen del Valle care home in El Palmar (Murcia) on Wednesday

The regional government of Murcia is incorporating the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine into the 2025–2026 seasonal vaccination campaign against flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcus, in order to protect individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness and complications from this infection.

The Region of Murcia is among the first regions to include RSV vaccination for at-risk populations.

As a result, more than 13,000 people aged 50 and over — provided they are residents of care homes for the elderly or people with disabilities, or have weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients, cancer patients, or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatment — will be eligible to receive this new vaccine.

RSV is the virus responsible for bronchiolitis, which affects young children every winter and is the leading cause of hospitalisation due to respiratory infection in children under five.

In addition to its impact on children, this virus is a significant cause of bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

While the burden of disease in children is well understood, the risks and potential complications of this virus in vulnerable adults are often underestimated.

A total of €1.2 million will be invested in 2025 for protection against RSV.

The regional councillors for health, Juan José Pedreño, and for social policy, Conchita Ruiz, visited the Virgen del Valle care home in El Palmar (Murcia) on Wednesday to mark the start of this new protection initiative.

Meanwhile, flu and COVID-19 vaccines will begin to be administered in care homes from October 6. The pneumococcal revaccination programme has already started for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as for younger people in high-risk groups.

Pedreño stated: “This measure demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the protection of the most vulnerable, by expanding coverage against respiratory infections beyond flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcus.”

Conchita Ruiz noted: “The regional government is strengthening protection of older people and those with disabilities by bringing the vaccine directly to their homes — the care homes — to prevent health complications and improve their quality of life.

“Our priority is to care for them and protect their wellbeing every day, and that includes vaccination. That is why, in addition to monitoring, we accompany them through this process.”

Full Vaccination Campaign

On September 29, flu vaccinations began in schools for children aged 2 to 9.

On October 6, the campaign will begin in care homes, and on 14 October, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will start at health centres for at-risk populations — including older adults (60+ for flu and 70+ for COVID-19), pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Flu vaccinations will also be available to essential and healthcare workers.

People outside of the priority groups for flu vaccination will be able to receive their vaccine at their local health centre, clinic, or usual vaccination point around December, depending on availability of doses.

Image: CARM