With summer on the horizon, many Madrid residents preparing for international travel are facing considerable hurdles in obtaining appointments for international vaccinations. The demand for vaccines such as yellow fever, typhoid, and cholera has surged, overwhelming the capacity of available centers in the region.

In the Community of Madrid, several facilities offer these vaccinations, including hospitals like Hospital Universitario de Móstoles, La Paz, 12 de Octubre, and Carlos III. Additionally, the Madrid City Council operates an International Vaccination Center on Calle Montesa, and the Government Delegation has another on Calle Francisco Silvela. However, this network is proving insufficient to handle the current volume of requests.

The situation is exacerbated by a lack of availability, with responses like “No appointments” or dates being pushed to September, as experienced by Sonsoles, who is preparing for a work trip to Cameroon. Other travelers, such as Gonzalo, planning his honeymoon to Peru, Bolivia, and Chile in June, have also reported an inability to book appointments online or by phone, with the only advice being to “keep calling.”

Sources from the Community of Madrid acknowledge the increase in demand but state that the system relies on state administration. Meanwhile, the Madrid City Council has seen its center on Calle Montesa reduce capacity due to ongoing construction, limiting appointment availability. Despite this, the council claims to have implemented “corrective measures.”

The Ministry of Health assures that there is no shortage of vaccine stock and that provision is adjusted to anticipated demand. Staff reinforcements are expected in the coming days and months, including personnel from the 2024 Public Employment Offer and interim hires between May 1 and September 15, to enhance service capacity.