Portugal has exceeded its national target for seasonal influenza vaccination, with more than 2.5 million people immunised since the start of the autumn–winter vaccination campaign, according to the latest data released by the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde – DGS).

The campaign, which began on 23 September and will continue until 30 April, is being delivered through units of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS) as well as a wide network of community pharmacies across the country. Recent figures show that the milestone was reached following the administration of an additional 13,903 influenza vaccine doses in the past week.

Strong participation across healthcare settings

DGS data indicate that a total of 2,507,573 people have now been vaccinated against influenza in Portugal. Of these, 1,341,224 vaccinations were administered within SNS healthcare units, while 1,163,852 doses were delivered through community pharmacies, highlighting the role of decentralised vaccination in improving access and coverage.

The seasonal vaccination programme also includes immunisation against Covid-19. Over the past seven days, a further 3,418 individuals received Covid-19 vaccines, bringing the total number of vaccinated people to 1,327,218. Of these, 698,859 were vaccinated in the SNS and 627,155 in pharmacies.

Coverage levels highest among older age groups

Vaccination coverage against influenza remains particularly high among older adults, reflecting public health priorities to protect populations at increased risk of severe illness. According to DGS figures, coverage has reached 86.98% among individuals aged over 85, 78.11% in those aged 80 to 84, and 74.47% among people aged 70 to 79. Overall, 72.69% of people aged over 65 have been vaccinated against influenza.

Covid-19 vaccination coverage is lower across the same age groups but continues to increase gradually. Among those aged over 85, coverage stands at 59.15%, falling to 47.82% in the 80–84 age group, 42.90% among those aged 70–79, and 42.94% in individuals over 65.

Public health context and system pressures

Health authorities in Portugal have intensified calls for vaccination in response to a rise in acute respiratory infections and seasonal influenza cases. This increase has contributed to greater demand for hospital emergency departments, the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) and the SNS 24 health advice line.

Scientific evidence published in journals such as The Lancet and Eurosurveillance consistently demonstrates that influenza vaccination reduces hospitalisations and mortality, particularly among older adults and people with chronic conditions. High vaccine uptake is therefore regarded as a critical tool in alleviating pressure on health services during peak respiratory virus season.

Ongoing recommendations from health authorities

The DGS continues to recommend vaccination against both influenza and Covid-19 for all individuals aged over 60, people of any age with chronic illnesses and healthcare professionals. The objective of the current campaign is to vaccinate approximately 2.5 million people against influenza and 1.5 million against Covid-19, reinforcing protection among the most vulnerable groups.

As Portugal moves through the remainder of the winter season, health officials emphasise that sustained vaccination uptake remains essential to reducing severe disease, protecting healthcare capacity and supporting overall public health resilience.