HPV vaccination program extended to age 26
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) has expanded the national vaccination program to include free HPV vaccines for women up to age 26. The initiative aims to reach individuals who missed the recommended vaccination age. Men remain eligible for the vaccine under the program until age 18.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
