Free seasonal vaccinations start Monday: Here's how to get yours

Free influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines will be available to eligible individuals across Malta and Gozo from Monday, 2 November.

Vaccinations will be available at health centres, National Immunisation Service clinics, participating local councils, and private-sector doctors who obtain government-procured vaccines.

Influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal infections can lead to serious complications, particularly among older people, children aged six months to five years, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and other vulnerable individuals.

Current surveillance in Malta indicates an increase in cases of influenza-like illness as the respiratory infection season begins, although no associated increase in hospital admissions has been observed so far.

What’s available?

The following vaccines will be offered free of charge:

• Seasonal influenza vaccine: Available to everyone aged six months and over.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Available to everyone aged six months and over.
• PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine: Available to adults aged 60 and over, as well as eligible individuals under 60 with chronic medical conditions. The vaccine is administered only once, meaning those who have already received it should not receive it again. Vulnerable adults under 60 must present a medical certificate confirming their eligibility.

All three vaccines may be administered during the same visit, depending on the individual's clinical eligibility and the assessment of the healthcare professional.

Anyone attending for vaccination must present a valid identity card.

Adults and adolescents aged 13 and over

Adults and adolescents aged 13 and over may visit health centre treatment rooms without an appointment at the following times and locations.

Sunday to Friday, including public holidays but excluding Saturdays, from 1pm to 7pm:

• Cospicua Health Centre
• Birkirkara Health Centre
• Qormi Health Centre
• Rabat Health Centre

Monday to Sunday, including weekends and public holidays, from 1pm to 7pm:

• Mosta Health Centre
• Paola Hub
• Floriana Health Centre
• Gżira Health Centre
• Kirkop Health Centre
• Victoria Health Centre, Gozo

Infants, children, and adolescents aged six months to 12 years

Dedicated vaccination sessions for infants, children and adolescents aged six months to 12 years, as well as pregnant women, will be held at:

• National Immunisation Service Clinic in Floriana, Malta
• National Immunisation Service Clinic in Rabat, Gozo

Vaccinations will be available between 7:30am and 2pm on the following dates:

• Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November
• Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 November
• Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 November
• Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 November
• Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 December
• Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 December
• Sunday, 27 to Wednesday, 30 December

Parents or legal guardians accompanying children must bring their identity card and the child's health record booklet, known as the Baby Booklet.

No appointment is required for these sessions.

Local councils will also offer vaccinations

Participating local councils will also organise seasonal vaccination sessions this year to make the service more accessible within communities.

As arrangements vary between localities, the government encouraged the public to contact their respective local councils to confirm whether they are participating and obtain details about vaccination dates, times, and locations.

Private-sector doctors

Private-sector doctors may also obtain government-procured influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal (PCV20) vaccines to administer to eligible patients at their private practices.

Patients who prefer to receive their vaccinations from their family doctor or another private-sector doctor are encouraged to contact them directly to confirm whether the service is available.

Health minister among first to get vaccinated

Health Minister Ian Borg was among the first to receive a vaccine as he launched the 2026/2027 seasonal vaccination campaign, encouraging people across Malta and Gozo to follow suit.

“From next Monday, the health ministry will begin administering seasonal vaccinations. I encourage everyone who usually gets vaccinated to do so again, because it is important for them and for those around them,” Borg said.

“I also encourage those considering vaccination for the first time to seek information, make their decision and come forward to be vaccinated.”

Health authorities also urged the public not to postpone vaccination until respiratory infections become more widespread.

“Getting vaccinated before these infections circulate more widely in winter gives the body time to develop protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness,” they said.