The organization VOCES, Coalición de Inmunización y Promoción de la Salud en Puerto Rico, is urging the population to get vaccinated against influenza amid an increase in cases in recent weeks. According to the latest report from the Departamento de Salud's Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Influenza, Puerto Rico has accumulated 2,816 cases of influenza, 266 hospitalizations, and nine deaths during the 2026-2027 season. In the 34th epidemiological week, 727 cases and 47 hospitalizations were reported, with 65.9% of all accumulated cases concentrated in the last four weeks.
The report also notes a recent increase in the transmissibility of the virus, with an estimated reproduction rate (Rt) of 1.70. As of September 4, 54,929 influenza vaccines had been administered in Puerto Rico. Infectologist Dr.
Javier Morales warned that influenza should not be minimized as a simple cold, as it can cause significant complications and require hospitalization in certain patients. He emphasized the importance of vaccination as a primary tool to reduce the risk of disease and its possible complications, highlighting its effectiveness and safety. The Departamento de Salud's report indicates that children aged 0 to 4 years have the highest number of accumulated cases, with 492, and also register the most hospitalizations, with 68 during the 2026 season.