Q COSTARICA — Influenza A is currently the most prevalent respiratory virus in Costa Rica, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS) plans to move up its influenza vaccination campaign to April.
According to the Ministry of Health, 1,541 cumulative cases of influenza-like illness were recorded in the first four weeks of 2026.
“The Influenza A virus is the most prevalent, followed by rhinovirus, and in third place, COVID-19,” the Ministry stated.
Given this situation, CCSS epidemiologist Elvis Delgado indicated that the institution is seeking to begin vaccination against the disease earlier.
“The idea and the goal is to start in April,” he explained, although he clarified that the date will depend on the arrival and distribution of doses.
New Risk Groups
To comply with the vaccination of the risk groups defined by the National Commission on Vaccination and Epidemiology (CNVE), the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS) acquired 1.5 million doses.
“We are maintaining the same risk groups as in previous years: children under 8 years old, senior citizens, vulnerable individuals, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and garbage collectors. But this year, we are including people who work with wildlife, birds, and pigs,” Delgado announced.
Regarding the inclusion of these latter workers, the expert emphasized that they are in direct contact with animals that transmit influenza.
“We cannot ignore the existence of avian flu and swine flu, which caused a pandemic in 2009, so the Commission included them in its guidelines,” he noted.
Low Coverage Rates
According to Delgado, the 2025 coverage rate for senior citizens reached 52%, while for children it barely reached 38%.
The specialist warned that these figures are insufficient for groups considered high-risk.
“It’s clear that when coverage is low, the risk of illness and an increase in cases is very high,” he emphasized.
Data from the Ministry shows that the largest distribution of cases this year is concentrated in people between 35 and 39 years old, as well as in the population 65 years and older, a group that is more vulnerable to complications.
Risks
Delgado explained that influenza can trigger serious complications, especially in older adults and people with chronic illnesses.
“Influenza alone is a complication, but then a co-infection can occur,” he indicated.
“In cases where the immune system is weakened, the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory infections increases,” the expert warned.
The epidemiologist added that the 2026 vaccine protects against the H3N2 influenza A variant currently circulating in the country.
The institution reiterated that the goal is to increase vaccination coverage in vulnerable populations and reduce hospitalizations during the coming months when circulation increases.