Portugal vaccinates over 31,000 children against respiratory virus
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Portugal’s Directorate-General for Health (DGS) vaccinated more than 31,000 children against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the first month of its immunization campaign.
The DGS noted high participation in the public health measure and praised the commitment of families and healthcare workers to preventing serious respiratory illness in young children. RSV infection is a leading cause of respiratory disease in infants and can lead to severe cases requiring emergency care or hospitalisation.
By strengthening protection for vulnerable children, Portugal aims to lessen the impact of the disease on families and reduce strain on healthcare services during peak virus circulation. The immunization campaign, which began on September 16, 2026, will continue to March 31, 2027. It includes children born within that period, vaccinated in public, private, and social maternity wards, as well as preterm infants or those with other risk factors, vaccinated in primary care or hospitals.
This is the third consecutive season Portugal has offered this free protection against RSV.
