Flu Season Is Coming. Time to Vaccinate.

August is in the past.

Sunbeds and cocktails are now just a sweet memory. September. Has it finished already?

Dear October, I can see you.

Cozy, chilly and full of yourself, having fun with your friend Influenza and the other one who joined the party, COVID-19.

This is the time of year when we start hoping that all the supplements, vitamins, healthy eating and mindfulness we've been counting on, will give us a free pass through Winter.

Surely, all of that will protect us from every opportunistic virus that thinks it can challenge our immune system.

And then, one morning, you wake up.

You can't stop sneezing.

Then comes the cough.

Then the body aches.

And finally, the inevitable question: "Did I get my Flu and COVID jabs?"

Nobody Planned That Weekend in Bed

That amazing weekend you've been planning, visiting the friend you haven't seen since last year, enjoying a hot chocolate and a delicious pastel de nata, will only end up with you feeling absolutely dreadful instead.

Wrapped in a blanket.

Surrounded by tissues.

Feeling very sorry for yourself.

And while vaccination cannot promise that you won't catch an infection, it is an important way of reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and complications from Flu and COVID-19.

And this is why we need to talk about vaccination.

So, What's New This Year?

The Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS), the Portuguese Health Authority, has been working behind the scenes and has published the guidance for the 2026 to 2027 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign.

The campaign against Flu and COVID-19 starts on 30 September 2026 and goes until March 2027, with vaccination available through Public Healthcare Units and Community Pharmacies.

And yes, there are some changes this year.

Free vaccination will include young children from 6 months of age, children aged 2 to 4 years inclusive (one of the main changes), adults aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and adults aged 18 to 59 who have certain health conditions that put them at higher risk.

There are also other groups who may be eligible because of their health, living circumstances or level of exposure, so if you're not sure whether you fit the criteria, it's always worth checking.

And for our 85+ population there is an extra bit of protection: the programme uses a high dose Influenza vaccine for this age group.

So, before assuming that you're either "too young," "too old" or simply "not on the list," have a chat with your Nurse Case Manager. The DGS has the list, and we promise we can guide you through the small letters.

Before anyone starts panicking about vaccine shortages: the DGS says that the Public Healthcare System has acquired sufficient flu vaccine doses for everyone who wants to be vaccinated within the groups covered by the programme.

However, starting to plan it a little earlier will save you the last minute rush. Don't go full Portuguese on this one and leave everything until the very last minute.

And COVID?

Here comes another change.

For the 2026 to 2027 Seasonal COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the age threshold has moved from 60 to 70 years.

Vaccination also remains recommended for people with conditions associated with a higher risk of severe disease and for people living in particularly vulnerable settings.

So, as always, age matters, but so does your health profile.

Where Can I Get Vaccinated?

The good news is that you have options.

You can get your seasonal vaccination through your Public Healthcare Unit and at an authorised community pharmacy.

Pharmacies are becoming an increasingly convenient part of the vaccination programme. Not every pharmacy provides vaccination services, so before you go, have a chat with your Nurse Case Manager. It can save you a wasted journey to a random pharmacy.

Do I Need a Prescription?

For people who are eligible under the national vaccination programme, vaccination is provided according to the programme and does not require a conventional prescription.

If you don't have an active SNS number, or you aren't covered by the free vaccination programme, don't panic.

Again, checking with your Nurse Case Manager will help you understand all the rules and requirements which sometimes seem never ending. You know how much the Portuguese love a paper, followed by another paper.

The Bigger Picture

The aim of seasonal vaccination isn't simply to stop you from having a miserable few days with a blocked nose, a mountain of tissues and tasteless meals.

It is about reducing the risk of serious disease, hospitalisation and death, protecting people who are more vulnerable, and helping reduce the pressure on healthcare services during the months when respiratory viruses decide to become the most popular guests in town.

So, before Influenza and COVID-19 send you an invitation to their winter party, take a moment to check whether you're eligible for vaccination and where you can receive it.

Exciting?

Not particularly.

Useful?

Absolutely.

"But I'm Not Eligible..."

If you don't fall into one of the groups covered by the free programme:

Take a deep breath.

Put the kettle on.

And remember the good old fashioned habits that still matter:

Wash your hands regularly.

Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.

Avoid close contact with others when you are unwell.

Give yourself time to rest and recover when you're sick.

Reach out to your Nurse Case Manager when symptoms start to appear. We will help you without asking you to fill out a form or take a ticket.

And even if your symptoms decide to show up over the weekend, we've got you covered. A Serenity Nurse is available on weekends and public holidays too, because, unfortunately, viruses don't check the calendar before making an appearance.

And, please, don't forget your cup of tea.

P.S.: Since we are putting the kettle on, allow me to share a Winter tea recipe.