Gozo residents can get seasonal flu and COVID-19 jabs at Victoria Health Centre from Monday

Gozo residents aged 13 and over can receive their seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations at Victoria Health Centre from 2 November, as the government launches its 2026/2027 seasonal vaccination campaign.

The vaccinations will be available free of charge to eligible individuals, with walk-in services operating daily, including weekends and public holidays, between 1pm and 7pm.

The campaign, launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg, aims to protect the population against respiratory infections ahead of the winter months.

The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and over, while the PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine is offered to adults aged 60 and over and younger people with qualifying chronic medical conditions.

Pneumococcal vaccination is administered only once, meaning people who have already received the PCV20 vaccine should not receive another dose. Vulnerable adults under 60 must present a medical certificate confirming their eligibility.

Dedicated vaccination sessions for babies, children and adolescents aged six months to 12 years, as well as pregnant women, will also be held at the National Immunisation Service Clinic in Rabat, Gozo.

These sessions will run between 7.30am and 2pm, without the need for an appointment, on the following dates:

7 and 8 November

14 and 15 November

21 and 22 November

28 and 29 November

5 and 6 November

12 and 13 November

27, 28, 29 and 30 November

Parents or legal guardians accompanying children must bring their identity card and the child’s health record booklet, commonly known as the Baby Booklet.

Vaccinations will also be offered through participating local councils, with residents advised to contact their respective council to confirm whether sessions are being organised locally and obtain details of dates, times and locations.

Private doctors can also obtain government-procured supplies of the three vaccines and administer them to eligible patients. Residents wishing to receive their vaccinations through their family doctor are advised to contact the practice directly.

All those attending vaccination sessions must present a valid identity card.

Health authorities are encouraging the public not to wait until respiratory infections become more widespread before getting vaccinated, saying early vaccination gives the body time to develop protection ahead of winter.

Influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal infections can lead to serious complications, particularly among older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.

“Surveillance data indicates an increase in influenza-like illnesses as the respiratory season begins, although levels remain broadly similar to those recorded during the same period in previous years. No corresponding increase in hospital admissions has been recorded so far,” the Health authorities said.