Vaccination (immunization) represents the most efficacious strategy for safeguarding against infectious diseases. Vaccines help prevent a wide array of potentially severe infections, including measles, rubella (German measles), mumps, meningococcal disease, influenza, and others, thereby protecting the health of both pediatric and adult populations, and mitigating the risk of disease outbreaks.

In children, vaccination provides crucial protection during the early stages of life when their immune systems are still developing. In adults, immunization is critically important for maintaining health, particularly among older adults and patients in high-risk categories. Vaccination not only confers individual protection but also contributes to the establishment of herd immunity within the community.

Routine Immunization Schedules for Adults and Children in Portugal

Portugal maintains a National Immunization Program (Plano Nacional de Vacinação) that is tailored to the country's specific epidemiological profile. Up-to-date information can be accessed on the official website of the Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS). This program outlines the recommended and/or mandatory vaccinations for both children and adults.

Core Vaccines Included in the Schedule:

• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine (combination vaccine)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Vaccine (against pneumococcal disease)
• Meningococcal Vaccines (targeting serogroups B and ACWY)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
• Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)

Additional Recommended Vaccinations:

• Influenza Vaccine (annual vaccination)
• Hepatitis A Vaccine
• Rotavirus Vaccine (for infants)
• And others (based on individual risk factors)

Women who are planning a pregnancy should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure they possess immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). If a woman's immune status is uncertain, MMR vaccination is recommended at least one month prior to conception.

• Measles: Can cause serious complications in both the mother and the neonate.
• Rubella: Infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to severe congenital malformations in the fetus (congenital rubella syndrome).
• Mumps: While generally less hazardous than measles and rubella, mumps infection can also result in complications.

Recommended Vaccines for Pregnant Individuals:

• Influenza Vaccine: Pregnant individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing complications from influenza; therefore, vaccination is recommended during any trimester of pregnancy. It's also essential that close contacts of the pregnant person and the infant are immunized in the early months of the infant's life.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Administration between gestational weeks 27 and 36 is recommended to protect the newborn from pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis poses a significant threat to infants, and maternal vaccination facilitates the transplacental transfer of protective antibodies to the fetus. If a pregnant individual was not vaccinated with Tdap during pregnancy, vaccination is recommended postpartum.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: If the individual is at increased risk or has not been previously vaccinated, hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended during pregnancy.

Essential Vaccines for International Travelers:

Vaccination recommendations for international travelers vary depending on the destination, duration of travel, health status, and age. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or visit a travel clinic for personalized guidance prior to departure.

Key vaccines that may be recommended include:

• Influenza Vaccine
• Hepatitis A Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Rabies Vaccine
• Typhoid Fever Vaccine
• Yellow Fever Vaccine (required for entry into certain countries)
• Meningococcal Vaccines
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap or Td) Vaccine: Td booster is recommended every 10 years. Tdap may be recommended if there was no prior vaccination against pertussis in adulthood.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

Specific Recommendations:

Prior to travel, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel clinic specializing in immunizations to receive tailored recommendations based on the itinerary, duration of stay, health status, and age.

Some vaccines require time to elicit an immune response; therefore, it is imperative to plan vaccinations well in advance.

Emergency Immunization

Emergency immunization is administered following exposure to infectious diseases such as rabies or tetanus. It may also be required after an animal bite or trauma to prevent infection.

Seasonal Vaccination

Seasonal vaccination, particularly against influenza, is recommended each fall to mitigate the risk of illness during epidemic periods.

Immunization for Older Adults and High-Risk Groups

For adults aged 65 years and older, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, vaccination is of paramount importance. Vaccination against pneumococcal disease, influenza, and other infections (as per healthcare provider recommendations) is encouraged.

Benefits of Vaccination

• Effective protection against infectious diseases
• Prevention of serious complications and hospitalizations
• Reduction in the community transmission of infections
• Protection of vulnerable populations (children, pregnant individuals, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses)
• Facilitation of safe international travel

Important Considerations:

Vaccination is a safe and effective means of protecting against infectious diseases. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider prior to immunization to assess individual risks and benefits.

Why Choose UMC for Your Vaccinations?

• Vaccinations available without insurance or a "número utente" (Portuguese healthcare number)
• Official issuance of vaccination certificates
• Personalized vaccination schedules and catch-up vaccination options
• Translation of vaccination certificates into Portuguese
• Fast and painless procedures for children and adults
• Safety: Reliable suppliers and proper vaccine storage

Do I need to consult a doctor before vaccination?

Yes. Before vaccination, the doctor assesses your health, age, previous vaccinations and individual risk factors. This helps determine which vaccines are needed and when they should be given.

Can my child be vaccinated if some vaccinations were missed?

Yes. At UMC, an individual catch-up vaccination schedule can be created if some vaccinations were missed or were not given according to the recommended schedule.

Which vaccinations are recommended before travelling?

This depends on the destination country, duration of the trip, age and health status. The doctor may recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, rabies, yellow fever, meningococcal infections and other diseases.

Can I get vaccinated before travelling if there is little time left before the trip?

Yes. Even if there is only a short time before the trip, the doctor can assess the risks and select an appropriate vaccination schedule. However, some vaccines require time to develop an immune response, so it is better to seek advice in advance.

Can I be vaccinated during pregnancy?

Some vaccines may be recommended during pregnancy, such as influenza and Tdap vaccines. The decision about vaccination is made by the doctor based on the stage of pregnancy and the individual situation.

Should I keep my previous vaccination certificate?

It is advisable to keep all available records of previous vaccinations. They help the doctor determine which vaccinations have already been given and which may be needed additionally.

Can I get an official vaccination certificate at UMC?

Yes. The clinic can officially issue vaccination certificates and provide translations of vaccination certificates into English and Portuguese.

What should I do if I do not know which vaccinations I have already received?

The doctor can assess the available information and help create an individual vaccination schedule. If necessary, vaccination can be carried out according to the doctor's recommendations.

Is vaccination recommended for adults over 65?

Yes. Vaccination is particularly important for people over 65, as some infections may be more severe in this age group. Depending on their health status, the doctor may recommend vaccination against pneumococcal infection, influenza and other diseases.

Can I get vaccinated without insurance or a utente number?

Yes. Vaccination at UMC is available without insurance or a utente number.