Winter is upon us with cooler weather, fewer hours of sun, and more germs are spreading. Yes, it is flu season and some people choose to have a flu shot. This post isn’t about the rights or wrongs of getting a vaccine. It’s just instructions on how to get your flu vaccination here in Spain.
The Flu Vaccine
Influenza vaccines, also known as flu shots or flu jabs, are vaccines that protect against infection by influenza viruses. A new version of the vaccine is developed twice a year, as the influenza virus rapidly changes.
How To Get A Flu Shot / Flu Jab (la vacuna de la gripe)
Going to the hospital or getting the flu vaccine on your own is the easiest options available. In Spain there are a few different vaccines, but the most common is Mutagrip or Vaxigrip.
Here are some commonly used terms in English (influenza vaccine, flu jab, flu shot, flu vaccine, flu vaccination).
In Spanish you can say “la vacuna de la gripe” or “vacuna antigripal”
Hospital or Centro de Salud
The hospital will carry the flu vaccine and should have it on hand. You will likely need to make an appointment and just show up for your appointment to get the vaccination.
Nordic Health Clinic
Nordic Health Care provides general and emergency medical doctors as well as specialists when needed. You may make an appointment for your flu shot. They will order the vaccine for you and give you the flu jab in the clinic, your home, or hotel. In case of emergency we have an ambulance service 24/7. Nordic Health Care Almuñécar
On your own
1. With your doctors prescription, go to your local farmacia and ask to purchase the flu vaccine. it will come in a small box, likely refrigerated, so make sure you have it administered right away. If you have come to this page and are not in the Costa Tropical, you may refer to the guardia farmaicias. In that link, you may select your municipality or town and find a pharmacy near you.
2. Take the vial of the vaccine to one of the following: (they may require a small fee)
- Your general practitioner
They may require an appointment with your doctor - Nordic Health Care Almuñécar
They speak many languages, so you are certain to be able to communicate
(English, Spanish, Swedish, German, French, Italian and more).
This center administers the vaccine by appointment only. 678 771 452 or 689 690 729
Click here to email Nordic Health Care
In English?
If you prefer to speak English, stop by the Farmacia Los Marinos to pick up your vaccine (you may want to call and be sure they have the flu vaccine in stock). The pharmacy is located at the roundabout, in front of Chinasol, at the end of San Cristobal Beach. The vaccine should be available in October. You may call or stop by and put your name on the waiting list.
What does a flu jab cost in Spain?
Vaccine:
The actual vile of the flu vaccine from the pharmacy is usually under 15€.
Getting the shot:
The cost to have your doctor or clinic administer the vaccine for you may vary depending on location. The Almuñécar clinics charge various prices from 3€ up. Home visits may be more, call for an appointment and request prices.
Who needs a flu shot?
Read this from the CDC for 2020 -2021 season.
Cold & Flu Season vs Covid
As we enter cold and flu season, make note of your symptoms before jumping to conclusions. Know the symptoms for Covid versus the standard cold and flu.
Where to get Healthcare
Click here to read more about Healthcare in Costa Tropical.
Private Health Insurance Spain
Click here to read more about Private Health Insurance Spain.
Disclaimer: We are not medics and do not provide any recommendations on what you should or should not do. Nor will we advise on who is the best candidate for getting a flu shot. We are just providing the information to those who have already decided it is right for them. For questions, seek answers from your doctor or pharmacist.
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