“Portugal will start vaccinating children under 12 on the weekend of December 18th and 19th. This is a decision that results from the recommendation of the Directorate-General for Health, after hearing the Technical Vaccination Commission and considering the logistical issues with the coordinating nucleus of support to the Ministry of Health, namely the availability of vaccines", said Lacerda Sales.

According to the government official, the vaccination of this age group will start with the oldest children, aged between 11 and 10, gradually descending to the age of 5 years.

“On December 18th and 19th, children aged 11 and 10 will be vaccinated, and some 9-year-olds may also be vaccinated. On January 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th – Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – children between 9 and 7 years old will be vaccinated”, said the Secretary of State.

According to Lacerda Sales, on January 15th and 16th it will be the turn of children between 6 and 7 years old, while on January 22nd and 23rd children aged 5 years will be vaccinated.

Between February 5th and March 13th, the second doses will be administered, when the complete vaccination schedule for this age group will be completed, estimates the Government.