The appeal from the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (OF) follows the National Pharmacy Association’s acknowledgment of difficulties in flu vaccination for individuals not belonging to eligible groups, citing a shortage in the so-called private contingent of vaccines.
In a statement, the OF revealed that it forwarded a formal communication to the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) and Infarmed to express concerns over these vaccine shortages in the private contingent, which could impact citizens with a vaccination recommendation who do not meet the criteria for free vaccines but wish to purchase them at pharmacies with a medical prescription.
“Regardless of the contingent, vaccination should be ensured for people with a recommendation or a medical prescription,” emphasized the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society, expressing “full availability” to cooperate with the authorities.
The increasing pressure on the stock of private contingent vaccines available in community pharmacies is attributed to the rising demand linked to dropping temperatures and information about a new flu virus variant.
According to the latest data from the Directorate-General of Health, which set a target to vaccinate 2.5 million people against the flu, about 2.3 million vaccines have already been administered since the start of the current autumn-winter seasonal campaign in September.
Vaccination coverage for the population over 60 years is at 60.7%, with higher rates among those aged 85 or older (83.1%).
This week, the Director-General of Health, Rita Sá Machado, expressed satisfaction with the response of the Portuguese to the authorities’ call for flu vaccination and the increased uptake among healthcare professionals.
The Autumn-Winter 2025-2026 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign runs until April 30, 2026, in National Health Service (SNS) health units and 2,500 community pharmacies.
