Portugal's influenza vaccination campaign has made significant progress, with over 1.6 million people vaccinated since September 30. According to the latest weekly report from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), 1,659,314 people have received the influenza vaccine. This number includes 811,419 people who were vaccinated in participating pharmacies and 847,895 people who received the vaccine at National Health Service (SNS) units.
The DGS report highlights that individuals aged 60 and above are the most vaccinated group, with 1,399,905 vaccines administered, representing a coverage rate of 42.90%. This age group has shown a significant response to the vaccination campaign. The Portuguese health authorities have been working to increase vaccination rates among vulnerable populations.
The National Health Service (SNS) has acquired approximately 2.3 million doses of standard influenza vaccines and 369,000 doses of high-dose vaccines for the current campaign. One of the novelties of this year's campaign is the expansion of free vaccination to children between 2 and 4 years old. This move aims to increase the vaccination rate among young children.
In comparison to the influenza vaccination campaign, the COVID-19 booster shot campaign has seen significantly lower numbers. According to the DGS report, less than 738,000 people have received the COVID-19 booster shot since the start of the campaign. This number includes around 377,000 people who received the booster shot in pharmacies and approximately 360,000 people who received it at SNS units.
The vaccination campaign has been decentralized, with around 3,500 vaccination points, including over 2,550 participating pharmacies. Pharmacies receive €3.15 for each vaccine administered. The Ministry of Health has decided to maintain this decentralized model, which is expected to have a budgetary impact of up to €7.6 million.
Eligibility for vaccination in pharmacies varies depending on age and health status. People between 60 and 84 years old and those between 18 and 59 years old with risk factors can receive the influenza vaccine in pharmacies. For the COVID-19 vaccine, people between 70 and 84 years old and those between 18 and 69 years old with risk factors are eligible.
The coverage rate for COVID-19 vaccination among people aged 60 and above is 20.84%, with just over 680,000 people vaccinated. This rate is significantly lower than the influenza vaccination coverage rate for the same age group. Health authorities continue to encourage people to get vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19.
Key points
- Over 1.6 million people vaccinated against influenza in Portugal.
- Individuals aged 60 and above have the highest vaccination rate, with 42.90% coverage.
- COVID-19 booster shot campaign sees significantly lower numbers, with less than 738,000 people vaccinated.
