Spanish ministry backtracks and fourth Covid jabs only for people over 80 for now

Spain’s health ministry backtracked after announcing that fourth Covid vaccine doses would be available to everyone this fall - for now, they’re only for people over 80, nursing home residents, and people who are immunocompromised.

Spanish health minister Carolina Darias had announced that "the entire population" would be eligible for a fourth dose of a Covid-19 vaccine this fall. 

In an interview with La Sexta on Thursday, Darias said that an exact date was yet to be set, but that it should be around the time "new vaccines for new variants" are on the market.  However, the ministry u-turned on the minister announcement. 

Vaccination campaign in Catalonia

As of June 13, 2022, 6,505,409 residents have been given the first dose of the vaccine, 81.1% of the total population. Out of those, 5,963,484 have also had a second dose administered (74.4% of the total population). 6,422,937 residents are considered to be fully immunized (79.4%).

Under 65s who have already had the virus are only required to have the first dose, and others have received a single-dose jab. Therefore, the % of two doses administered and % fully immunized do not match.

Catalonia has administered 3,416,649 third doses (42.8%). Official data show that 48.2% of residents have received a booster shot (which includes those who had a third jab plus people who only got one jab in the initial vaccination series and then received a booster, their second shot). 

How to get vaccinated

Anyone who is registered in a municipal 'padró' census in Catalonia is entitled to at least basic CatSalut public health coverage, which includes Covid care and vaccinations.

You can apply for a health card here. Once you have received a CIP number, you can request access to La Meva Salut, the website and app from which medical records – including vaccination certificates – can be downloaded and health queries can be made. You will also be able to book vaccination appointments online. Vaccinations are only administered through the public health system.