In 2023, vaccination coverage of all vaccines recommended in the National Vaccination Program (PNV), assessed up to seven years of age, will remain very high: around 99% at the end of the first year of life and reaching or exceeding the target for 95% in the following.
The data, which appears in the 2024 Annual Vaccination Summary Report published by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), also shows that high vaccination coverage against measles is maintained, meeting and exceeding the national and international target of 95%, reinforcing the protection with the aim of preventing or limiting outbreaks.
In vaccination against group B meningococcal disease, introduced into the PNV in October 2020, the target of 95% was reached or exceeded in all cohorts covered, similarly to the other vaccines recommended at the same age.
Female vaccination against HPV maintains its level of excellence, at 90% for the complete schedule, when they turn 12 years of age. Also, male vaccination coverage against HPV, introduced in the PNV in October 2020, reveals a significant uptake of vaccination. In the 2009, 2010 and 2011 cohorts (14, 13 and 12 years of age respectively), there was coverage close to 90% for the complete vaccination schedule.
Regarding the estimated vaccination coverage of pregnant women, to protect the newborn against whooping cough, the Report reveals that this will remain at high levels: 84% in 2023.
The Report includes preliminary data regarding the Autumn-Winter 2023-2024 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign, which continues until April 30. 2023 will see the expansion of the population aged 60 to 64 covered by free flu vaccination, and the inclusion of the pharmacy network in the vaccination strategy. Free coverage in this age group of 60-64 years allowed coverage to be increased to 45%, representing an increase of 18 percentage points compared to the previous year.
The maintenance of excellent vaccination results within the scope of the PNV is the result of the daily effort and dedication of health professionals, as well as the trust that the population places in vaccination.
Source: DGS
