---
title: "Panama launches nationwide flu vaccination drive with updated formula"
date: 2026-04-08
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/panama-flu-vaccination-updated-formula/
categories:
  - "Health"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "influenza"
  - "ministry of health"
  - "MINSA"
  - "Panama"
  - "public health"
  - "vaccination"
---

# Panama launches nationwide flu vaccination drive with updated formula

## What Happened

Panama’s Ministry of Health began its nationwide influenza vaccination campaign on Wednesday, April 8, using an updated formula designed to protect against the A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria strains now circulating in the country.

The vaccine is being offered free of charge at public health facilities across the country, including Ministry of Health clinics and Social Security Fund facilities. Private hospitals are also participating in the effort, widening access for patients and staff.

## Why the New Vaccine Matters

Itzel de Hewitt, coordinator of the Expanded Immunization Program, said the current vaccine covers the strains identified in circulation, though a new H3N2-related variant has already been detected. That newer strain is expected to be included in future vaccine production scheduled for October.

Health officials said Panama uses vaccines prepared for the Southern Hemisphere because the country’s respiratory disease patterns align with the rainy season, which begins in April and intensifies again between September and November. That timing makes early vaccination especially important as flu cases often rise during wetter months.

## Who Should Get Vaccinated

The Ministry of Health purchased 1.2 million doses for this year’s campaign. Immunization teams are focusing on vulnerable groups, including older adults, people with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease, immunosuppressed patients, pregnant women, and children under five, especially those under one year old.

The campaign also includes visits to nursing homes, daycare centers, child care facilities, and community spaces. Private hospitals have joined the effort by setting up vaccination posts for their users and employees as part of their social responsibility programs.

## Annual Protection

De Hewitt emphasized that influenza vaccination must be repeated every year, even for people who were vaccinated last season. Because flu strains change, each new seasonal dose is updated to match the viruses currently spreading.

Health authorities urged the public to get vaccinated now as the rainy season begins and respiratory illnesses become more common nationwide.