Portugal's Vaccination Success: Protecting Children's Health

Portugal maintains high vaccination rates among children, exceeding 95% for key diseases and demonstrating effective public health strategies.

Portugal's Vaccination Success: Protecting Children's Health

Portugal is setting a high bar when it comes to keeping its kids healthy. With vaccination coverage rates consistently hitting or exceeding 95% for children up to six years old, the country is demonstrating a real commitment to public health. Let's dive into the details.

Impressive Coverage Rates

The 2024 annual report from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) paints a reassuring picture. Not only are the overall vaccination rates stellar, but specific areas show remarkable progress. For instance, a whopping 86% of babies born between August 2024 and March 2025 were vaccinated against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the initial immunization campaign. This impressive figure has significantly reduced hospitalizations for infants under six months.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) on the Rise

Portugal is also making strides in MMR vaccination. Coverage for the first and second doses has increased between 2023 and 2024, reaching 99% in two-year-olds and 96% in six-year-olds. These numbers reflect a sustained effort to protect children from these highly contagious diseases.

HPV Vaccination: Closing the Gender Gap

Vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus) is another success story. Coverage in girls remains high, surpassing the 90% target. Even better, the trend of increasing vaccination rates in boys is continuing, with coverage in 15-year-old boys also exceeding 90%. This is a big step towards achieving comprehensive protection against HPV-related illnesses.

Other Key Vaccines

The combined vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio (DTPaVIP) achieved a coverage rate of 93% in six-year-olds. For the N. meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) vaccine, 97% of two-year-olds received the complete three-dose schedule. These figures highlight Portugal's dedication to protecting children from a wide range of preventable diseases.

Vaccination During Pregnancy

Vaccination against whooping cough during pregnancy is also a priority, with approximately 80.4% of eligible pregnant women receiving the Tdpa vaccine in 2024. This strategy helps protect newborns during their first few months of life, before they can be fully vaccinated themselves.

Addressing Adverse Reactions

While the overall picture is positive, it's important to acknowledge that adverse reactions to vaccines can occur. In 2024, there were 370 reported cases of suspected adverse reactions, which translates to about 12.8 cases per 100,000 vaccines administered. The DGS emphasizes that reporting a suspected adverse reaction doesn't automatically imply a causal relationship and that each case undergoes a thorough technical assessment.

Municipal-Level Data for Targeted Action

For the first time, the 2024 report includes vaccination results broken down by municipality. This level of detail allows health professionals and other stakeholders to identify geographic areas where vaccination rates may be lower and to develop targeted interventions.

Seasonal Vaccination Campaigns

Portugal's commitment to vaccination extends beyond routine childhood immunizations. The autumn-winter 2024-2025 seasonal vaccination campaign saw almost 4 million vaccines administered in SNS units and community pharmacies. A high-dose flu vaccine was introduced for those 85 and over, achieving high vaccination coverage.

Final Thoughts

Portugal's proactive approach to vaccination is clearly paying off, safeguarding the health of its youngest citizens. By maintaining high coverage rates and continually refining its strategies, the country is setting an example for others to follow. It's all about keeping those little ones healthy and thriving!