[Infectious disease prevention: PAPPS update 2026]

Vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures against infectious diseases and should be considered an essential intervention throughout life. Prevention through vaccination in adults is part of a healthy lifestyle. Vaccination needs vary according to age, health conditions, the presence of chronic diseases, or immunosuppression, making it crucial to keep vaccination schedules up-to-date at every stage of life. Despite the proven benefits of vaccines, adult vaccination coverage remains below recommended levels. In this context, the role of healthcare professionals is key in providing information, answering questions, and promoting vaccination, thus contributing to disease prevention and improving the population's quality of life. The 2026 update incorporates the main changes related to indications, modifications to vaccination schedules, and new vaccines included in the adult vaccination schedule. It also reinforces the importance of vaccination in at-risk groups, pregnant women, and healthcare professionals, and expands the approach to traveler vaccination. Finally, the «One Health» perspective is highlighted, which recognizes vaccination as a fundamental tool for improving population health, reducing antibiotic use, and preventing the emergence of bacterial resistance. For more detailed information on individual vaccines, especially those that have not required updating, please refer to the documents «Prevention of Infectious Diseases: Vaccine Update, 2022» and «Vaccine Update 2024».