The change in the interval between the two doses was announced by Graça Freitas, who in her initial intervention stated that this period is "currently between 150 and 180 days", that is, between five and six months.

Later, in statements to the Lusa agency, she clarified that until now it was only possible to receive the booster dose for people over 65 years old, 180 days after the previous dose, and now this period has been reduced, and may vary between 150 and 180 days.

Another of the changes announced for this group of users, which also includes health professionals, the social sector and firefighters, is the inclusion of people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 who received a dose of the vaccine after recovering.

Graça Freitas also announced that people aged 18 and over who received the Janssen Covid-19 vaccine will be able to receive a booster dose 90 days after administration of the first one.

"These people can have a booster, here with a different period, 90 days after having taken the last dose", she summarised, explaining that in this case there is no age limitation, being eligible all people over 18 years who received that single-dose vaccine. Graça Freitas said that around one million people are eligible.

This booster dose will be either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The measures represent a response to the increase in the number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Portugal, in line with the strategy that Graça Freitas considered to be the most important: “vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate”.

"It's the best way to protect ourselves and spend the winter ", stressed the Director-General of Health, calling for the vaccination of all those who have not yet received the 1st dose or are eligible for the booster.