Health Dept. warns of high influenza circulation, reinforces vaccination call

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero

Concerns rise in view of upcoming large-scale events

By THE STAR STAFF

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero warned on Tuesday that Puerto Rico is in its fourth consecutive week above the influenza epidemic threshold and reiterated the call for vaccination and to reinforce preventive measures in light of upcoming large-scale events.

“This sustained behavior above the epidemiological thresholds confirms that the virus is circulating widely in the community,” Ramos Otero said in a written statement.

“We reiterate the urgent call for vaccination and to reinforce preventive measures, especially given the upcoming large-scale events such as the San Sebastián Street Festival and concerts,” he added.

During the epidemiological week from Dec. 28, 2025, to Jan. 3, 3,200 new cases of influenza were reported, bringing the cumulative total for the 2025-2026 season to 35,669. Forty-eight percent of the cases were identified in individuals under 19 years of age.

The Health Department reported that to date, 96 deaths associated with influenza have been confirmed during the season, while four remain under investigation. Seventy-five percent of the deaths occurred in people over 70 years of age, and 96.9 percent had no record of vaccination.

Regarding immunization, as of Tuesday 13, 340,719 doses of the influenza vaccine had been administered. The agency indicated that the vaccine continues to be available at health centers, pharmacies and hospitals throughout the island.

As part of the prevention initiatives, vaccination events will be held Jan. 15-17 at El Cantón Mall in Bayamón, and additional vaccination drives will take place throughout the month in Bayamón, Ponce, Caguas, Carolina and Las Piedras.

More than 700 senior citizens, meanwhile, received vaccinations against influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and pertussis during a vaccination fair held Tuesday morning in the plaza on the north side of the Capitol.

Ramos Otero noted that the regions with the highest number of accumulated cases are Ponce, Caguas and Bayamón, and reiterated the call to citizens to reinforce basic prevention measures, such as frequent hand washing, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when experiencing respiratory symptoms.