COVID-19, once a pressing public health concern, seems to be fading into the background for many in the Canary Islands, despite government campaigns emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The number of COVID-19 vaccines administered has declined by 11.5% compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, flu vaccination rates have risen, reflecting a shift in public health priorities.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 114,445 people in the Canary Islands received COVID-19 vaccines during the 2023-2024 campaign. This year, as of 8th January 2025, that figure has dropped to 101,194 vaccinations since the campaign began on 15th October 2024.
By island, Gran Canaria reported 46,612 doses, Tenerife 39,565, Lanzarote 7,555, Fuerteventura 3,706, La Palma 2,868, La Gomera 667, and El Hierro just 221.
The Director-General of Public Health continues to urge residents, especially those in vulnerable groups, to prioritise vaccination to safeguard against severe outcomes.
Flu Vaccination Uptake Rises
In stark contrast, flu vaccination rates have seen a notable increase. Within the first three months of the campaign, 193,043 flu vaccinations were administered across the archipelago, marking a 9.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. By 8th January, the total had risen to 210,826 doses.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria led with 87,705 and 87,089 doses, respectively. Lanzarote followed with 14,523, while Fuerteventura recorded 9,059. La Palma reported 8,632, La Gomera 2,756, and El Hierro 1,062 vaccinations.
This surge aligns with rising respiratory infections in the region, including flu, COVID-19, and acute bronchiolitis, which have driven increased visits to health centres and emergency rooms.
Respiratory Infections and Hospitalisations
Recent data from late December indicate a respiratory infection rate of 850 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the Canary Islands. Although still high, this is a decrease from over 1,000 cases per 100,000 during the same period last year.
Children aged 0 to 4 years have been the most affected, particularly by the flu, with an incidence of 80 cases per 100,000. Elderly individuals over 80 remain the most vulnerable to hospitalisations, primarily due to COVID-19 and flu-related complications.
Access to Vaccination
The Canary Islands Health Department reminds residents that it is still possible to receive vaccines for both COVID-19 and the flu to mitigate severe symptoms. Vaccines can be obtained without an appointment at local health centres or by booking through the hotline numbers 012 (all islands), 922 470 012 (Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro), or 928 301 012 (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura).
As flu cases rise and COVID-19 vaccination rates drop, public health officials continue to stress the importance of immunisation for all, especially as many people are complaining of being ill, having days off work, and saying that there is “a bug going round”.
