Acute respiratory infections in La Rioja climbed to 471.56 cases per 100,000 residents during the week of November 2 to 8, rising from 451.91 cases the previous week, according to provisional data released by the regional government and reported by NineFourOne.
Infants under one year old represent the most heavily affected demographic group. The regional sentinel surveillance network, which includes 24 primary care teams, recorded influenza at 9.82 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 6.55 cases the prior week. Conversely, COVID-19 cases declined from 16.37 down to 13.10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Healthcare workers detected five respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) isolations, marking the start of this season's circulation for the virus.
Hospitalizations Remain Stable
Hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections remained stable at a rate of 9.75 cases per 100,000 residents, matching the previous week’s figures, Europa Press reported. By November 9, regional hospitals treated four patients admitted for COVID-19 and two patients for influenza, with no patients hospitalized for RSV.
Reporting by elDiario.es showed that on November 2, regional hospitals cared for 14 patients with COVID-19 and three patients with influenza, indicating a shift in patient volume as autumn progressed.
Vaccination Progress Across Age Groups
Health authorities have administered a total of 66,232 doses against influenza and 27,423 doses against COVID-19 for the 2026-2027 immunization campaign. Senior care facilities achieved high coverage rates, reaching 83.77 percent for influenza and 76.88 percent for COVID-19, according to data cited by NineFourOne.
Immunization coverage among residents aged 85 and older reached 52.06 percent for influenza and 39.44 percent for COVID-19. Meanwhile, pediatric vaccination reached 38.42 percent of school children aged 3 to 13 and 33.29 percent of children between six months and two years old.
Eva Martínez, Director General of Public Health, Consumption, and Care, stated that this week we observe an increase in respiratory infections as a whole.
Martínez added that vaccination is one of the main prevention measures against severe forms of flu and COVID-19, especially in the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Expanded School Immunization Programs
Primary care nursing teams administered nasal flu vaccines directly inside educational centers as part of an expanded campaign reaching children up to 13 years old. Nurses also provided vaccinations at daytime senior centers across the region.
Earlier coverage figures published by elDiario.es showed that by November 1, senior care facility coverage stood at 80.4 percent for influenza and 76.54 percent for COVID-19. noted that public health officials anticipated a broader surge in viral circulation as colder weather settles into the region.
Common Questions About La Rioja Infection Rates and Vaccinations
Which age group has the highest infection rate in La Rioja?
Infants under one year old represent the most affected demographic group in the region, according to provisional data from the regional government reported by NineFourOne.
How many influenza and COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered?
The 2026-2027 vaccination campaign recorded 66,232 doses administered against influenza and 27,423 doses against COVID-19 as of November 8, according to Europa Press.
Where can residents receive their vaccinations?
Residents can schedule appointments at their local health center, call by phone, or use the Rioja Salud mobile application, as noted by Cadena SER. Primary care nurses also administer doses inside participating schools and senior day centers.
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