Argentina Anticipates Flu Vaccination Campaign Amid H3N2 Variant Circulation

Argentina is moving forward with its 2026 flu vaccination campaign earlier than usual, in response to the circulation of the H3N2 influenza variant and a trend of earlier seasonal respiratory virus activity. The Ministry of Health has begun distributing the first 800,000 doses to all provinces, with vaccinations expected to commence on March 9, 2026.

Rising Respiratory Virus Activity

Recent epidemiological surveillance indicates an increasingly early start to the seasonal circulation of respiratory viruses in Argentina. The Ministry of Health states that the advancement of the campaign aims to ensure timely protection of the population before the peak transmission period and mitigate the potential impact of the H3N2 variant and its K subclade on the healthcare system.

H3N2 Variant Characteristics

Even as authorities have clarified that the H3N2 strain is not associated with more severe illness, they caution that it exhibits a greater transmission capacity, potentially leading to increased demand for medical care. According to the CDC, Influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been the most frequently reported influenza viruses this season [1].

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The following groups are prioritized for flu vaccination as part of the national vaccination calendar:

• Children aged 6 to 24 months
• Adults over 65 years of age
• Healthcare personnel
• Pregnant individuals
• Individuals with risk factors (chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, heart conditions, etc.)

Vaccination Locations in Córdoba Capital

The Ministry of Health of the Province of Córdoba has announced the following hospitals in the city offering flu vaccinations:

• Holy Trinity Children’s Hospital: Bajada Pucará 787 (Crisol). Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 6 p.m.
• Elpidio Torres Northeast Hospital: Av. Juan B. Justo corner Av. Del Japon (Liceo General Paz). Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. To 2 p.m.
• Eva Perón Southwest Provincial Hospital: Av. Santa Ana 4800 corner Aviador Locatelli (Los Filtros). Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 10 p.m.
• Florencio Diaz Hospital: Av. 11 de Septiembre 2900 (José Ignacio Díaz 2nd Section). Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 7 p.m.
• Provincial Maternity Brigadier General Juan Bautista Bustos: Av. Vélez Sarsfield 2221. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 2 p.m.
• Minister Dr. Ramón Carrillo Maternal Neonatal Hospital: Av. Cardeñosa 2900 (Zumarán). Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 10 p.m.
• Hospital Misericordia: Belgrano 1502 (Güemes). Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 4 p.m.
• Pediatric Hospital of the Child Jesus: Av. Castro Barros 650 (San Martín). Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 8 p.m.
• Hospital Rawson – “Elvira Rawson” Vaccination Center: Bajada Pucará 790. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 10 p.m.; Saturdays and holidays, 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. (Accessible for ages 15 and up).
• San Roque Preventive Hospital: Rosario de Santa Fe 374 (Centro). Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. To 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. To 6 p.m.
• Cáceres de Allende Transit Hospital: Buchardo 1250 (Pueyrredón). Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. To 2 p.m.

Looking Ahead

The early implementation of the flu vaccination campaign underscores Argentina’s proactive approach to public health and its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations against respiratory viruses. Continued monitoring of circulating strains and vaccination coverage will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the flu season.