“There are constraints in acquiring vaccines from distributors for people wishing to be vaccinated, based on a medical prescription, outside the groups entitled to free vaccination,” stated ANF to the agency.

The association, led by Ema Paulino, also highlighted that there is no shortage of vaccines in pharmacies for people who are part of eligible groups and can be vaccinated under the National Health Service’s (SNS) seasonal campaign.

“So far, the information we have indicates that laboratories have already confirmed they do not have more vaccines available for the private contingent,” ANF mentioned.

According to the latest data from the Directorate-General of Health, which set the goal of vaccinating 2.5 million people against the flu, about 2.3 million vaccines have been administered since September, when the current autumn-winter seasonal campaign began.

The vaccination coverage for the population over 60 years old is at 60.7%, with higher rates among those aged 85 or more (83.1%).

This week, the Director-General of Health, Rita Sá Machado, expressed satisfaction with the response of the Portuguese people to the authorities’ call for flu vaccination and the increased uptake among health professionals.

The autumn-winter 2025-2026 seasonal vaccination campaign runs until April 30, 2026, in SNS health units and 2,500 community pharmacies.