La Rioja Bolsters Vaccination Efforts with €1.7 Million Investment in HPV and Shingles Vaccines
The government of La Rioja, Spain, has allocated €1.718.600 to expand its vaccination program, focusing on the prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles. This significant investment, approved by the regional Council of Government on February 24, 2026, aims to strengthen the region’s official immunization schedule and protect vulnerable populations against these preventable diseases. The move underscores a growing commitment to public health and proactive disease prevention strategies within the autonomous community.
The funding will be used to procure 10,000 doses of a 9-valent HPV vaccine, with a dedicated budget of €468,000. What we have is intended to increase vaccination rates, particularly among those not previously vaccinated, aligning with recommendations from the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System. The initiative will actively target individuals up to 18 years of age, both male and female, to maximize protection against HPV-related cancers and other health complications. According to regional spokesperson Alfonso Domínguez, this proactive approach is crucial for improving overall vaccination coverage and safeguarding public health.
Expanding HPV Protection Through Active Outreach
The decision to actively seek out unvaccinated individuals up to the age of 18 represents a shift towards more comprehensive HPV vaccination strategies. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause several cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. The 9-valent vaccine protects against nine strains of HPV, covering a significant proportion of cancer-causing types. The National Cancer Institute details the link between HPV and various cancers, emphasizing the importance of vaccination as a preventative measure.
Currently, the HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents, but uptake rates vary. This new initiative aims to address gaps in coverage and ensure that more young people benefit from the protection offered by the vaccine. The active recruitment strategy will likely involve outreach programs in schools and community health centers, as well as targeted communication campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of HPV vaccination.
Combating Shingles with Increased Vaccine Availability
Alongside the HPV vaccine investment, La Rioja is allocating €1.250.600 for the purchase of 10,000 doses of an inactivated Herpes Zoster vaccine. This aims to implement vaccination recommendations for at-risk groups over 18 and those aged 65 and 80, in line with updated guidance from the Public Health Commission. Shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), becomes more common with age and can lead to long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends shingles vaccination for adults 50 years and older, even if they have had chickenpox. La Rioja’s expanded program will prioritize those with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of complications from shingles, as well as individuals in the 65 and 80 age cohorts. This targeted approach will help to reduce the burden of shingles and improve the quality of life for older adults.
The procurement process for both vaccines will be conducted through a negotiated procedure without publicity, as there is currently only one authorized supplier for each vaccine. This streamlined approach ensures a swift and efficient acquisition of the necessary doses to meet the region’s vaccination goals. The initiative is part of a broader public health strategy focused on prevention, reducing the disease burden, and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of an aging population and expanding vaccination coverage.
Innovative Approaches to Vaccine Uptake in La Rioja
La Rioja has demonstrated a commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to improve vaccination rates. In August 2025, the region implemented an artificial intelligence (AI)-based project to enhance vaccination coverage for herpes zoster and pneumococcal disease among individuals aged 65, specifically those born in 1960. Rioja Salud reported that this project aimed to reach approximately 4,000 residents. Previously, reminders were sent via annual letters, but the AI-driven approach promises more targeted and effective outreach.
La Rioja has incorporated new vaccines into its official immunization schedule for children, including those against pneumococcal disease (15 serotypes) and herpes zoster, with an investment of €875,420 in 2024. Rioja Salud highlighted this expansion as a key step in protecting younger generations against preventable diseases.
The region also emphasizes the importance of ongoing vaccination programs, including those initiated in 2023. The introduction of the herpes zoster vaccine for individuals with diabetes aged 65 and older is a notable example of this commitment to targeted vaccination strategies. Rioja Salud provides information on herpes zoster vaccination, emphasizing its role in preventing the disease.
This comprehensive approach, combining increased investment in vaccine procurement with innovative outreach strategies and a commitment to expanding the immunization schedule, positions La Rioja as a leader in proactive public health initiatives within Spain. The success of these programs will be closely monitored to inform future vaccination policies and ensure the continued protection of the region’s population.
The next step for La Rioja’s health authorities will be the implementation of these vaccination programs and the monitoring of their impact on disease incidence. Regular updates on vaccination coverage rates and the effectiveness of the AI-driven outreach initiatives are expected in the coming months. Residents of La Rioja are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to determine their eligibility for HPV and shingles vaccination and to stay informed about the latest public health recommendations.
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