Doctors condemn shortcomings in vaccination campaign

“The figures reflect the impact of an intense seasonal influenza epidemic with an increasing trend,” admits the DGS. One factor associated with the increased mortality, doctors say, is a decline in flu and Covid-19 vaccination rates compared to previous years.

“The strategy adopted by the Executive Directorate of the Public National Service for seasonal vaccination in the autumn-winter 2023-2024 against influenza and Covid-19 in public pharmacies has not produced the expected results, placing Portugal well below the level of vaccination coverage achieved in previous years” when it provided by health centers,” condemns the National Association of Family Health Care Providers. There was a decline in vaccination coverage across all age groups.

“Most people admitted to intensive care units have the flu and have not been vaccinated,” confirms pulmonologist Filipe Froes.

The activation of health centers to provide support has led to an increase in vaccination rates, but “timely response and the same levels as in previous years have been lost,” the association criticizes. The DGS admits that “influenza vaccination coverage” was lower than in the previous season and calls for vaccination.

However, the president of the National Pharmaceutical Association, Ema Paulino, rejected the claim that pharmacies had failed to carry out seasonal vaccinations, pointing out that the majority of people vaccinated did so in pharmacies.