"The decentralised vaccination model will be maintained in the 2025-2026 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign against influenza and Covid-19, adjusted to the type of vaccines, eligible population, and vaccination strategies defined by the DGS [Directorate-General for Health]," says the ordinance signed by the Secretary of State for Health, Ana Povo.

According to the Government, the objective is to "ensure high standards of efficiency and effectiveness, promoting health gains, combined with greater comfort and proximity for users, and involving, in addition to the purchase of vaccines, a budgetary impact of up to €7,600,000, corresponding to the total remuneration that will be paid to pharmacies."

It emphasises that, based on the evidence, which points to a greater circulation of respiratory viruses in the winter months, the aim is to launch the seasonal vaccination campaign on time to ensure that "the greatest number of eligible people will be protected by the end of November, providing greater protection during the period of greatest risk."

Regarding pharmacies, the Government emphasises that they have contributed "very positively to the faster vaccination process, which allowed for population protection to be achieved in a shorter period of time."

"Vaccination at dispensing pharmacies also allows the National Health Service to reallocate its resources to other actions related to vaccination and the provision of patient care and monitoring," the ordinance states.

The Ministry of Health provides influenza and Covid-19 vaccines for vaccination at pharmacies that meet the necessary conditions, such as having a vaccine administration service and having professionals with specific training to administer them.

According to the ordinance, pharmacies may operate with extended hours, and the list of pharmacies is available on the websites of the National Health Service, the DGS, and Infarmed.

"Vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 is an extremely important public health intervention to prevent transmission, reduce morbidity and mortality in those most at risk, and enable the health system to manage winter pressures, helping to reduce the demand for healthcare and the likelihood of hospitalization".