Free RSV protection has begun for eligible babies. Here is how the 2026 campaign works
Portugal's seasonal infant immunisation campaign runs from 16 September to 31 March and includes children born between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, plus specified higher-risk groups.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026Families need to know whether the dose is offered in the maternity unit, primary care or hospital—and that this is a monoclonal antibody against severe RSV disease, not a routine childhood vaccine.
- The 2026–2027 campaign is voluntary and free for eligible children.
- Babies born from 16 September 2026 to 31 March 2027 are offered protection through participating maternity services.
- Children born from 1 April to 15 September 2026 are covered through primary care or hospital services.
- Certain premature children and children with clinical risk factors may be eligible under additional rules, including some entering a second RSV season before age two.
Who the campaign includes
The Directorate-General of Health says the free campaign includes children born between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. It also includes defined premature and higher-risk children under the current clinical standard.
For a child with a complex medical history, eligibility cannot be safely decided from a short public summary. The maternity team, health centre or paediatric service should apply the current DGS standard to the child's age, birth history and condition.
Where the dose is given
Babies born during the campaign period—from 16 September to 31 March—are offered immunisation in participating public, private and social-sector maternity services. Children born earlier in 2026 are covered through primary care and hospital services.
The dose is a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab, which provides passive protection against serious lower-respiratory illness caused by RSV. It does not replace the child's routine vaccination programme or clinical care when respiratory symptoms develop.
The Azores have widened their programme
The Azores began their regional campaign on 16 September and say that healthy children entering their first RSV season are included this year. The regional government reports that it acquired 1,696 doses for the 2026–2027 campaign.
Island health services organise delivery locally, so families should follow the instructions from their maternity service or island health unit. Do not travel to a vaccination point on the assumption that every location uses the same appointment arrangement.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check the child's date of birth against the campaign period.
- 02
Ask the maternity unit, health centre or paediatric team where the dose will be offered.
- 03
For prematurity or another risk factor, ask the clinical team to confirm eligibility under the current standard.
- 04
Keep the immunisation record with the child's other health documents.
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