“We have very, very high vaccination coverage rates and we will continue to insist, insist, insist, because, as all the competent authorities in Europe have already said, this is a year where, above all, influenza will be a major challenge,” said Ana Paula Martins, in Guarda.

The Minister of Health said that hospitals are prepared with winter plans and contingency plans at various levels, but admitted that "the pressure will be very high."

"Winter will be very tough. And in addition to these plans, we also have reinforced emergency medical services to support hospitals because pre-hospital emergency medical care is also crucial during these times of increased pressure."

Ana Paula Martins added that "the usual seasonal resources have been increased during this period so they can be activated."

Furthermore, the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) is also "trying to reinforce its resources, as happens during these phases, especially in areas like the interior."

Regarding the vaccination campaign, the minister considered that the SUS (Unified Health System) has "mass vaccination" and that the demand for flu vaccines has been "very high, especially in health centres, nursing homes, and the national network of continuing care."

“Through the Directorate-General of Health [DGS], we have already made several appeals for continued vaccination of those who are indicated for it. This is how we can minimise visits to the emergency room for those at higher risk and also mortality,” she indicated.

Ana Paula Martins reiterated that Portugal currently has “very, very high” vaccination coverage rates and that health services will continue “to insist, insist, insist” on the need for the elderly and at-risk population to get vaccinated because “this year the flu will be a major challenge.”

The Ministry of Health is contacting the Local Health Units (ULS) to prepare the Unified Health System (SUS) for the winter period and to learn “in detail about the response of health units to the additional challenges that arise at this time of year, especially with regard to responding to seasonal diseases, managing emergencies, and coordinating between different levels of care.”