Portugal's seasonal flu and Covid-19 campaign starts on 30 September
The 2026–2027 campaign widens free flu vaccination for young children and changes the routine age threshold for Covid-19 vaccination.
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Archived 12 September 2026Families and older residents need to check which vaccine, age rule and appointment channel applies rather than assuming both programmes use the same eligibility list.
- The national seasonal campaign begins on 30 September 2026.
- Free flu vaccination now includes children aged two to four, as well as eligible younger children and risk groups.
- Children aged six to 23 months receiving flu vaccine for the first time need two doses at least four weeks apart.
- The routine Covid-19 age threshold moves from 60 to 70, while defined clinical risk groups remain eligible under the current standard.
The flu and Covid-19 rules are not identical
The Directorate-General of Health has published separate standards for seasonal influenza and Covid-19. Flu vaccination is being widened to include children aged two, three and four, while first-time flu vaccination for children aged six to 23 months uses a two-dose schedule separated by at least four weeks.
For Covid-19, the routine age threshold is now 70 rather than 60. People below that age may still qualify through pregnancy, a defined clinical condition or another category in the current standard. A short age summary cannot replace an individual clinical assessment.
Where to arrange the vaccination
Eligible people can use participating health centres and, for the groups covered there, community pharmacies. Pharmacy participation and appointment availability vary, and some clinical-risk cases are managed through NHS services rather than an ordinary pharmacy booking.
Take identification and the information requested by the booking channel. If there is uncertainty about a child's dose history, pregnancy, immunosuppression or a previous serious reaction, ask the clinical team before attending.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check eligibility against the current DGS flu and Covid-19 standards.
- 02
Ask the health centre or participating pharmacy which appointment route applies.
- 03
For a child's first flu vaccination, confirm whether a second dose is required.
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