Puerto Rico recorded 15,254 influenza cases and 165 outbreaks in educational institutions between June and October 2026, according to Department of Health data released on Wednesday, November 11 by the Puerto Rico Association of Community Pharmacies (AFCPR), which urged the public to get vaccinated as infections rise. "We are recommending vaccination as a preventive measure given the increase in cases. Although we are not at the epidemic warning threshold, it is important to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of illness and the severity of infection," said AFCPR first vice president Edna López in written remarks.
Although we are not at the epidemic warning threshold, it is important to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of illness and the severity of infection
The Department of Health’s Influenza Surveillance System reported 718 cases in the week ending October 31. The 165 outbreaks in educational institutions correspond to centers with three or more positive cases or infections in at least 10 percent of the students in a classroom. So far about 288,254 people have been vaccinated against influenza in Puerto Rico, roughly 9 percent of the population, estimated at 3,221,789 residents.
For reference, during the 2025-2026 season the Department of Health had reported more than 426,000 doses administered by the end of February. López noted that flu vaccination must be done annually because the virus changes and immune protection wanes over time.