The possibility that people aged over 23 can self-schedule the first dose of vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus stems from the recent opening of vaccination for the age group between 18 and 29 years old, in descending order of age.

The call for this age group is being made through central scheduling, with users receiving an SMS message or a phone call from the health services, but self-scheduling will gradually be available up to 18 years of age.

This modality allows people to select the place and date they want to be vaccinated, then receiving an SMS message confirming the day, time and vaccination center. Confirmation of the appointment implies that an SMS reply is sent.

Following phase 2 of the vaccination plan and a greater number of vaccines received by Portugal, the self-scheduling portal went into operation on 23 April for people aged over 65.

In recent days, Portugal is accelerating vaccination against covid-19 due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant, considered to be more transmissible and which is already predominant in the country.

Last week, around one million vaccines against covid-19 were administered in mainland, announced on 12 July the task force responsible for the vaccination process.