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Spain’s Basque Country is at the center of a vaccine scandal after a pediatric nurse in Santurtzi allegedly pretended to administer immunizations to more than 400 children. The case, now before the Audiencia Provincial of Bizkaia, has raised alarm over public health oversight and parental trust in Spain’s vaccination system.
The 52-year-old nurse is accused of discarding vaccine doses while recording in medical databases that they had been given. Court documents state that the alleged misconduct occurred between February 2021 and September 2022 during routine childhood immunizations.
Parents in Spain Raised Alarm Over Fake Vaccinations
The scandal came to light in late 2022, when parents noticed unusual behavior during appointments. They described her methods as “strange,” saying she injected children too quickly, turned her back during the procedure, and appeared to discard syringes still containing vaccine doses. 
One mother testified: “I didn’t doubt her at first, but it struck me as odd. She was too fast, and my son never had a fever or redness afterward, unlike with my older daughter’s vaccinations.” Another parent recalled how the nurse “hid” their child’s arm during the supposed injection.
Although suspicions grew, families trusted the official documentation. The nurse consistently entered vaccinations into both digital medical records and children’s vaccination cards. Only after complaints reached Osakidetza, the Basque public health service, did an investigation begin.
More Than 400 Children Potentially Left Without Immunization
Investigators later determined that up to 404 children may not have received the vaccines required under Spain’s official immunization schedule. To prevent health risks, Osakidetza began revaccinating affected minors.
Three independent serological studies confirmed that many lacked the antibodies expected from the vaccines they were supposed to have received. The health service absorbed the costs, estimated at €26,763 for wasted vaccines and €5,382 in staff expenses.
Prosecutors and Families Demand Accountability
Initially, prosecutors sought a prison term of seven and a half years, alongside an €18,000 fine and €32,000 compensation to Osakidetza. The charges included aggravated damages, falsification of medical documents, and misuse of public funds.
The private prosecution, representing about 50 families, demanded harsher penalties of up to 17 years in prison. Their lawyer emphasized the breach of trust: “Parents place their confidence in public health professionals to protect their children. This betrayal is profound and potentially dangerous.”
Psychiatric Report Changes the Course of the Trial
The case shifted dramatically after a psychiatric evaluation concluded that the nurse suffers from psychological conditions impairing her ability to carry out her duties. The report suggested she may not have acted with full intent or awareness.
Following the findings, prosecutors revised their request, calling for acquittal on criminal charges in exchange for compulsory psychiatric treatment lasting two years. Osakidetza and the Basque Nursing College backed this new position.
The families’ legal team, however, continues to seek a prison term of seven and a half years. They are also considering a separate lawsuit against Osakidetza, accusing the health service of negligence for allowing the nurse to continue working despite earlier warning signs about her mental health.
⚖️ Primera sesión del juicio a la enfermera del centro de salud de Kabiezes, en Santurtzi, que simulaba vacunar a niños y no lo hacía.
— RTVEPaisVasco (@RTVEPaisVasco) September 15, 2025
👉 Se calcula que dejó a unos 400 sin vacunar. Las familias han sido las primeras en declarar. @osakidetzaEJGV pic.twitter.com/ZmoKN4JWFp
Basque Vaccine Scandal Raises Oversight Concerns
The Santurtzi vaccination scandal has exposed potential weaknesses in Spain’s public health oversight. Families and advocacy groups are urging a review of monitoring procedures to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Experts caution that the case may also undermine public trust in immunization programs. Spain has one of Europe’s highest vaccination rates, but scandals of this nature could fuel vaccine hesitancy at a time when misinformation already challenges public health campaigns.
What’s Next in the Santurtzi Nurse Trial?
The nurse has not yet testified, having postponed her statement until the final day of proceedings. Her defense is expected to rely heavily on psychiatric reports, arguing she was not mentally capable at the time of the alleged offenses.
After a week of testimony from parents, health officials, and medical experts, the trial has concluded and is now awaiting judgment. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks. Possible outcomes range from psychiatric treatment without prison time to a reduced custodial sentence.
For the families involved, the trial is not only about accountability but also about restoring trust in Spain’s vaccination system. As one parent told reporters outside the courtroom: “We hope this never happens again. Vaccinations are about protection, and we were left unprotected.”
Information Source:
Photo Attribution:
“Kids Covid Vax Clinic 5” via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Image: Smallpox vaccine kit (James Gathany / CDC, Public Domain)
