In statements made in Évora, the official dismissed the notion of a stock rupture in certain locations across the country, clarifying that “some vaccination points have run out of vaccines.”
“There is no stock rupture, because the program is not immediate; it has been progressing gradually. Currently, there are some specific needs that will be addressed in the coming weeks,” he emphasized.
Álvaro Almeida spoke to journalists on the sidelines of a visit to Évora’s hospital, part of a tour by the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, of the country’s local health units (ULS).
According to the executive director of the SNS, this year’s vaccination program was “particularly successful,” with “vaccination rates much higher than last year.”
“Due to this success of the vaccination program, there was and is, in some well-defined and limited locations, some limitation on vaccines for people over 85,” he reiterated, assuring that the issue “will be resolved.”
The official noted that “part of the problem will be resolved almost immediately,” highlighting that if these difficulties persist, “it might take a little longer” to solve them.
When asked about the Contingency Plan for Seasonal Health Response for the winter, Álvaro Almeida stated that the strategy is in place and that the guidelines set by the ministry are already being followed.
“The units have each presented their plans, and we are prepared to start addressing any contingencies that arise,” he said, adding that, in terms of health, the country’s winter will “not be worse than previous years.”
