LISBON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Portugal has administered more than 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines since launching its first vaccination campaign five years ago, according to data released Saturday by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

According to the Lusa News Agency, Portuguese Public Health Society President and former Director-General of Health Francisco George described the figure as "extremely positive," stressing that it is "fundamental to continue vaccinating."

George said vaccination prevented around 12,000 deaths in its first two years, citing data presented in September 2023 by Infarmed, the Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Health Products.

He added that the continued use of the vaccines was unsurprising, noting that they have been adapted to changes in circulating virus variants.

Meanwhile, Portugal this week launched its influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize 2.5 million people against influenza and 1.5 million against COVID-19, the DGS announced. ■