COVID-19. On the way to the 4th dose of the Graça vaccine, Freitas is already talking about the 5th

BUT The CEO of Health was at the RTP3 studio this Wednesday, where she spoke about waiting for the 4th dose of the vaccine – which will begin to enter next Monday, and not next fall, as planned – as well as suspected acute hepatitis.

“This is a reinforcement [da vacina] will be given now or later, closer to the seasonal wave of winter, depending on the evolution of the virus and the epidemiology,” repeated Graça Freitas, explaining that the group responsible for monitoring the virus believes that due to the development of cases in recent days the decision had to be postponed.

The official reiterated that those currently receiving a second booster dose should take another dose within four to six months to “probable winter wave”. “The logic is: give people the doses they need to be protected,” he said, referring to the vulnerable population. “The one who suffers the most from the consequences of the disease,” he recalled.

5.ª dose?

He also ensured that the 5th dose was already scheduled, always stressing that everything would depend on the increase and the number of cases, which is now higher. But the director general of health said, however, that there was no certainty that this increase was a new wave. “It turns out that this 5th wave went up very quickly and went down sharply, and began to have kinks. […]. We don’t know if there will be at this time [este aumento] is a fluctuation of the 5th wave or a 6th wave may arise”he explained.

Asked if this increase in cases could be due to the end of the mandatory use of masks, Graça Freitas said that “There is no taboo or shame about wearing a mask”keeping in mind that DGS recommends using it in some optional situations.

Ómicron BA.5 strain and restrictions

In addition, the Ómicron BA.5 strain variant was considered to be problematic. “In a few days, it is predicted to reach about 80% of the Ómicron options that dominate at the moment.”he said, also warning that “options can change the landscape from day to day.”

The official said it is still “under review and study” that people “aged 60 to 65” could also be classified as “vulnerable groups” so that they, too, will be the first to have access to booster doses. “We are looking at other countries, the research being done, the results of countries like Israel,” he explained.

asked about the turnout that was registered this Thursday at the São João hospitalin Porto, also talked about free tests. “Self-test has a very low cost and is available in pharmacies. In case of suspicion, it is recommended to do a test”remembered.

With regard to the possibility of imposing restrictions, as the European Union has already warnedsaid to be ready. “Given the nature of mobility, contacts and behaviour, there is always a need to make adjustments. […]. It is necessary to monitor the situation very well and adapt measures depending on the situation.“, he said.

Finally, on this occasion, he also ensured that the disease did not get worse, despite the fact that more people tested positive. “Now the most affected age group is from 10 to 19 years old, and then from 20 to 49,” he said.

Acute childhood hepatitis

During the interview, the CEO confirmed that they nine suspected cases of acute hepatitis so far. “It’s a diagnosis of exclusion […] – which often develop well, as happened in Portugal”, acknowledging that these are cases that “can always remain unclear. “This is what is happening all over the world. There are over 300 cases, and we know the picture. The reason is unknown,” he said.

Recognizing that the explanation was difficult, stated that there were no confirmed cases of acute hepatitis in Portugal, because for this it was necessary to find a reason. “Our nine cases of this type of hepatitis have appeared recently, in children under 16 years of age, liver enzymes are elevated and the cause has not been found, “unlike other hepatitis in which a virus has been detected,” for example, complete.

Read also: Ex-Minister of Health believes that the increase in the incidence is not a cause for concern

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