Dominican Republic Launches Flu Vaccination Campaign With 400,000 Doses

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has launched its annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign, expanding access to immunization through a nationwide network of vaccination centers and facilities serving vulnerable populations.

The initiative, coordinated by the ministry’s Directorate of Immunopreventable Diseases by Vaccines, aims to reduce the health impact of influenza, a contagious respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications and increase demand for medical consultations and hospital services during seasonal outbreaks.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah announced that more than 400,000 vaccine doses are available for the campaign and encouraged residents to take preventive measures, particularly those at greater risk of complications.

Who Should Receive the Flu Vaccine?

The campaign prioritizes groups considered more vulnerable to severe influenza-related complications. These include:

• Adults aged 65 and older.
• Pregnant women.
• Children between six and 35 months old.
• Healthcare workers.
• People living with chronic conditions, including diabetes, asthma and hypertension, regardless of age.

By focusing on these populations, health authorities aim to reduce the likelihood of severe illness and help prevent avoidable hospitalizations and deaths associated with influenza.

Vaccination Available at More Than 1,350 Sites

To make vaccination more accessible, the Ministry of Public Health will offer the campaign through 1,350 vaccination sites distributed across the Dominican Republic.

The initiative will also extend to 152 public and private centers and residential facilities for older adults. Early Childhood Comprehensive Care Centers, known as CAIPI, will participate in coordination with the National Institute for Comprehensive Early Childhood Care (INAIPI).

Other institutions are also expected to join the effort, helping extend access to vaccination across the country.

Health Authorities Urge Residents to Get Vaccinated

Atallah said the ministry prepares each year to respond to seasonal influenza and emphasized the importance of investing public resources in measures that protect people’s health and well-being.

Fabiana Michelle, an immunization adviser for the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization in the Dominican Republic, said the campaign is intended to protect lives through vaccination.

Influenza is highly contagious and can cause more severe illness in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions. Seasonal increases in infections can also place additional pressure on healthcare services.

What Residents Need to Know

Residents in priority groups can seek information about the vaccination campaign through the Ministry of Public Health and its network of vaccination sites.

The announcement identifies more than 400,000 available doses and outlines the populations receiving priority, but it does not specify an end date for the campaign or provide individual opening hours for vaccination locations.

For people living in the Dominican Republic, the campaign provides a nationwide opportunity to access seasonal influenza vaccination, with particular attention to those at greater risk of serious complications.