“In view of the good pace at which vaccination against Covid-19 has been taking place, it is reported that the possibility of self-scheduling is now available for ages 55 and over," says the 'task force' in a statement sent to newsrooms.

The measure to extend the age comes just four days after having opened on Sunday the appointment for over 60 years, a development that reflects the period of intensification of vaccination.

According to the 'task force' schedule, vaccinations for this new age group should only start from next 24 May.

In a table presented on 27 April, at the last Infarmed meeting, the coordinator of the national vaccination plan against Covid-19, Gouveia e Melo, said that the goal for people between 60 and 69 years of age is that everyone has a dose of the vaccine by 23 May. Already for the group between 50 and 59 years, which includes part of the population now covered with the new extension of self-scheduling, the appointed date is 13 June.