The Government removed from its website the information stating that vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus had to be up to date for a child to be enrolled or sit exams at an educational establishment.
The removal was identified after verification comparing the previously available information on the portal with the current content. The page containing references to mandatory vaccines for school enrollment purposes was altered without any public communication about the change.
This situation occurs at a time when vaccination rates in Portugal are declining, which has raised concern among health authorities. The Directorate-General for Health has been warning of the need to maintain vaccination coverage rates at adequate levels to ensure collective protection.
The removal of this information raises questions about compliance with school health regulations and about the State's role in promoting vaccination as a requirement for access to education. The reason for removing this reference from the Government website has not been officially explained.
