More than 900,000 people vaccinated against the flu in Portugal

More than 940,000 people have been vaccinated against the flu since the start of the seasonal campaign, with the majority receiving their shots at pharmacies, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) announced today.

By TPN/Lusa, in News, Health · 20 Oct 2026, 17:33 · 0 Comments

Credits: Unsplash; Author: Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo;

According to the seasonal vaccination report released today, 947,839 people received the flu vaccine between the start of the campaign on 30 September and 18 October. Of these, 520,584 were vaccinated at participating pharmacies, while the remaining 427,255 were vaccinated at National Health Service (SNS) facilities.

DGS data indicate that more than 829,000 people aged 60 or older have been vaccinated, representing 25.42% vaccination coverage for this age group. Among those aged 85 and older, 121,789 people have been vaccinated, reaching a coverage rate of 30.28%.

For the current campaign, the DGS has begun using annual resident population estimates from the National Statistics Institute to calculate vaccination coverage for both flu and COVID-19. The DGS explained that this data ensures vaccination coverage figures more accurately reflect current demographic trends in Portugal, while also “aligning DGS indicators with official national statistics.”

The National Health Service (SNS) has procured about 2.3 million standard-dose flu vaccine doses and 369,000 high-dose doses for the current campaign.

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A key update to this year’s initiative is expanding free vaccination to include children ages 2 to 4.

Regarding COVID-19, the report states that 426,593 people have received the seasonal booster—243,102 at pharmacies and 183,491 through the National Health Service (SNS)—with vaccination coverage remaining lower than flu coverage across all age groups.

Data from the DGS (Directorate-General of Health) indicate that vaccination coverage is highest in the 85+ age group (18.55%), while lowest in the 60–69 age group (6.41%).

The 2026–2027 autumn-winter seasonal vaccination campaign against the flu and COVID-19 will run until 31 March, with approximately 2,550 participating pharmacies.

Individuals aged 60 to 84, as well as those aged 18 to 59 with high-risk medical conditions, may receive flu vaccination at pharmacies.

Additionally, individuals aged 70 to 84, along with those aged 18 to 69 with high-risk medical conditions, may also receive their COVID-19 vaccination at pharmacies.