Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg, launched the Seasonal Vaccination Campaign 2026/2027, which will begin on Monday, 2 November 2026.
The campaign will offer vaccination against seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease, free of charge to eligible individuals. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and complications from respiratory infections, particularly during the winter months, the health ministry said.
The Deputy Prime Minister was among the first to receive the vaccine and encouraged people across Malta and Gozo to do the same. He thanked all Ministry staff and healthcare professionals who worked to ensure that vaccines were available on time despite international challenges, and to deliver the vaccination service as effectively as possible.
"From next Monday, the Ministry for Health will begin administering seasonal vaccinations. I encourage everyone who usually gets vaccinated to do so again, because it is important for them and for those around them. I also encourage those considering vaccination for the first time to seek information, make their decision and come forward to be vaccinated," said Borg.
This year, vaccination will be available through Health Centres in Malta and Gozo, National Immunisation Service clinics for children, adolescents and pregnant women, participating Local Councils, and private-sector doctors who obtain government-procured vaccines. Members of the public are encouraged to use the vaccination service most convenient to them.
The Government is offering these vaccines free of charge as follows:
Seasonal influenza vaccine: available to all persons aged six months and over;
COVID-19 vaccine: available to all persons aged six months and over; and
PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine: available to adults aged 60 and over, as well as people under 60 with chronic medical conditions that make them eligible. The PCV20 vaccine is administered only once, so those who have already received it should not receive it again.
All three vaccines may be administered during the same visit, depending on the individual's clinical eligibility and the assessment of the healthcare professional administering the vaccines.
From 2 November 2026, adults and adolescents aged 13 and over may attend Health Centre treatment rooms without an appointment at the times and locations listed below.
Open Sunday to Friday, including public holidays but excluding Saturdays, vaccination will be available between 1pm and 7pm at:
Cospicua Health Centre;
Birkirkara Health Centre;
Qormi Health Centre; and
Rabat Health Centre.
From Monday to Sunday, including Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, vaccination will be available between 1pm and 7pm at:
Mosta Health Centre;
Paola Hub;
Floriana Health Centre;
Gżira Health Centre;
Kirkop Health Centre; and
Victoria Health Centre, Gozo.
Everyone attending for vaccination must present a valid identity card. Pneumococcal vaccination is routinely available to adults aged 60 and over. Vulnerable adults under 60 require a medical certificate confirming their eligibility for this vaccination.
Dedicated vaccination sessions for infants, children and adolescents aged six months to 12 years, as well as pregnant women, will be held at:
The National Immunisation Service Clinic in Floriana, for Malta; and
The National Immunisation Service Clinic in Rabat, for Gozo.
No appointment is required for these sessions. Vaccination will be available between 7:30am and 2pm on the following dates:
Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November 2026;
Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 November 2026;
Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 November 2026;
Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 November 2026;
Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 December 2026;
Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 December 2026; and
Sunday, 27, Monday, 28, Tuesday, 29 and Wednesday, 30 December 2026.
Parents or legal guardians accompanying children are asked to bring:
The parent's or legal guardian's identity card; and
The child's health record booklet, known as the Baby Booklet.
This year, seasonal vaccination sessions will also be organised through participating Local Councils to make vaccination more accessible within communities.
As arrangements and dates may vary between localities, members of the public are encouraged to contact their Local Council directly to confirm whether it is participating and obtain details of the date, time and location of the vaccination session in their locality.
Private-sector doctors may also obtain supplies of government-procured influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal (PCV20) vaccines to administer to eligible patients in their private practices. Patients who prefer to receive their seasonal vaccinations from their family doctor or another private-sector doctor may contact their doctor directly to check whether they are offering this service.
Influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal infections can lead to serious complications, particularly among older people, children aged six months to five years, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers and other vulnerable individuals.
Current surveillance in Malta indicates an increase in cases of influenza-like illness as the respiratory infection season begins, although levels remain broadly similar to those recorded during the same period in previous seasons. No associated increase in hospital admissions has been observed so far. The epidemiological situation will continue to be monitored throughout autumn and winter.
The Health Authorities encourage the public not to postpone vaccination until respiratory infections become more widespread. Getting vaccinated before these infections circulate more widely in winter gives the body time to develop protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness.