LISBON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government announced on Wednesday a plan to allocate 7.6 million euros (8.42 million U.S. dollars) for the vaccination of citizens against COVID-19 and influenza in pharmacies, with the goal of maximizing vaccination coverage by the end of November.
The government aims to start the 2024-2025 autumn-winter vaccination campaign earlier than usual, anticipating a rise in respiratory virus circulation during winter.
The initiative, outlined in an ordinance published in the Official Gazette, signed by Secretary of State for Health, Ana Povo, is aimed at ensuring that a significant portion of the population is protected by the end of November, thereby offering increased protection during the period of highest risk.
The ordinance underscores the effectiveness of previous flu vaccination campaigns conducted in pharmacies, which significantly accelerated the process and contributed to the population's timely protection.
The plan also includes the expansion of high-dose flu vaccines to individuals aged 85 and over, as well as to residents of elderly care facilities.
Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) no longer classifying COVID-19 as an international public health emergency, the European Commission continues to advocate for simultaneous vaccine access across its member states.
The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) maintains recommendations for vaccination, particularly against new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The ordinance emphasizes that vaccination against both influenza and COVID-19 is critical to preventing transmission, reducing illness and death among high-risk groups, and alleviating pressure on the healthcare system during the winter months.
The ordinance will take effect on Thursday, a day after its publication. ■
