The Community of Madrid will allocate €18.5 million to purchase 170,000 doses against the respiratory syncytial virus, 70,000 more than last year, to protect those over 80.
The Community of Madrid has approved an investment of €18.5 million to acquire 170,000 doses against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a 50% increase compared to the previous year. The Governing Council has greenlit this allocation, which will add 70,000 additional doses to immunize those over 80.
The region thus becomes the first in Spain to incorporate this immunization for this age group in 2026. The measure, promoted by the General Directorate of Public Health, had already been applied since 2025 to those over 60 residing in nursing homes and to vulnerable adults, and is administered throughout the year.
Between September of last year and June of this year, 154,237 vaccines have been administered to older adults, with an estimated coverage of around 30% in the target population of 80 years and older.
The regional government decided to extend protection to the adult population after noting the success of vaccination in infants under one year old since the 2023/24 season, which has managed to reduce hospital admissions due to RSV by around 90%.
This expansion responds to the impact of RSV, the leading cause of bronchiolitis and severe pneumonia in older adults. For Madrid residents over 80, the vaccine will be available at health centres and public hospitals in the region, without the need for a specific prior appointment.
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