Spanish Health Forums Spotlight Vaccination Progress and Challenges Amid Aging Population

Leading Spanish public health forums in January 2026 have highlighted both the successes and challenges surrounding vaccination efforts, particularly focusing on adult immunization within the country’s evolving healthcare landscape. The second edition of the "Pilares de la Salud" forum and the "Present and Future of Public Health" conference convened key health professionals and policymakers to discuss vaccination alongside other critical topics such as mental health and healthy aging.

At "Pilares de la Salud," experts lauded Spain's robust vaccination schedule, which celebrated its 50th anniversary and recently integrated vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus and herpes zoster. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives globally over the past five decades. However, speakers at the event, including Jorge del Diego of the Ministry of Health, emphasized ongoing obstacles like misinformation and declining public perception of disease risks. Jaime Jesús Pérez Martín, president of the Spanish Vaccinology Association, highlighted that while childhood vaccination rates have successfully reduced diseases like measles, adult vaccination remains a significant challenge due to complexity and lower uptake.

The forums also addressed the demographic shift towards an aging population, with Marta Molina from the Community of Madrid noting that the population over 65 now exceeds those under 16, demanding adaptive health policies. Enrique Ruiz Escudero, Senator, stressed the importance of prevention and a strong healthcare system to promote healthy aging from childhood.

Complementing these discussions, the "Present and Future of Public Health" event scheduled for January 21 covered key topics such as vaccination strategies for adults, the role of healthcare professionals in immunization, digital transformation in public health, and proposals for a forthcoming State Public Health Agency. The event featured structured debates moderated by health leaders like José Javier Castrodeza Sanz and keynote speeches from international experts such as María Neira González of the WHO. Focus was placed on lifelong vaccination, the need for increased investment, improved communication, and institutional coordination to face future vaccination challenges in Spain.

Overall, these forums converged on the imperative for continued vigilance, scientific communication, and policy innovation to sustain and advance Spain’s vaccination achievements amid demographic and societal changes.