The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) in Ecuador has extended the national influenza vaccination campaign for an additional 60 days, now running until May 30, 2026. This extension follows Presidential Decree No. 310 and is a response to the ongoing winter season and the associated rise in acute respiratory infections.
According to the MSP’s latest epidemiological analysis, there has been an increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses across the country. The ministry emphasized that it is essential to strengthen protection for at-risk groups during this period of heightened viral activity.
“The purpose of this response is to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with influenza and ensure efficient, technical, and timely use of available vaccines by administering all distributed doses safely throughout each province,” stated the MSP.
The government allocated $11.6 million for the purchase of 4.5 million influenza vaccine doses. So far, 2.9 million doses have been administered, with Guayas, Pichincha, and Manabí being the provinces with the highest immunization rates.
The campaign provides free access to vaccines at health centers and hospitals for priority groups identified by the ministry. These groups include children from six months up to five years old, adults over 65 years old, pregnant women regardless of trimester, people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, individuals with disabilities along with their caregivers, persons deprived of liberty (PPL), healthcare workers, staff at childcare centers, and workers in poultry farms and pig breeding facilities.
The MSP reminded citizens that vaccination remains one of the most effective measures to prevent complications from influenza and helps minimize hospitalizations and related risks. Both care services and vaccine provision are free of charge.
As part of its efforts on the ground, the MSP will intensify preventive health promotion activities during this campaign period. These include encouraging frequent handwashing, using alcohol gel, and maintaining caution in crowded environments.
Technical teams will be responsible for monitoring compliance with several objectives: ensuring targets are met; achieving effective administration of all assigned doses; updating operational planning through microplanning; strengthening outreach strategies such as focused interventions in prioritized populations according to guidelines from national health authorities.
