On October 17th, a new edition of the EUTOPIA_HEALTH project's Science Café took place at the Art’s Hotel – Parque das Nações, in Lisbon, with online transmission via Zoom. Dedicated to the theme “Vaccination and chronic respiratory diseases,” the event integrated the 1st Meeting of the Severe Asthma Association (AAG), titled “AREJAR!”.
The session featured contributions from Jesús David Cortés Gil, a researcher at NOVA Center for Global Health (NOVA IMS), via video presentation, Ana Rita Jesus Maria, a researcher at NOVA Medical School and a specialist physician in General and Family Medicine at ULS Lisboa Ocidental, and José Albino, President of the RESPIRA Association and the MOVA (Patients for Vaccination Movement).
The session featured contributions from Jesús David Cortés Gil, a researcher at NOVA Center for Global Health (NOVA IMS), via video presentation, Ana Rita Jesus Maria, a researcher at NOVA Medical School and a specialist physician in General and Family Medicine at ULS Lisboa Ocidental, and José Albino, President of the RESPIRA Association and the MOVA (Patients for Vaccination Movement).
Jesús Cortés Gil introduced the topic, presenting data on respiratory diseases in Portugal, highlighting that in 2024 they caused over 14,000 deaths. He noted that asthma affects about 7% of Portuguese adults (over half a million people), with a significant portion lacking adequate disease control. The researcher emphasized the role of vaccination in prevention, describing it as an often “invisible” form of protection that averts asthma crises, hospitalizations, and complications.
José Albino presented the findings of a MOVA national study on barriers to vaccination in Portugal. Despite most respondents recognizing the benefits, there is persistent lack of knowledge about recommended adult vaccines and the National Vaccination Program. Many people do not get vaccinated because they do not consider themselves at risk. However, over 75% of respondents indicated they would be more willing to get vaccinated if they received personalized information from their family doctor, highlighting the crucial role of healthcare professionals.
Ana Rita de Jesus Maria addressed vaccination from a clinical perspective, emphasizing the importance of trust in vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as the role of communication between healthcare professionals and citizens in informed decision-making. She encouraged participants to discuss vaccination during consultations and talk to their family doctors about the most suitable vaccines for their individual situation.
A discussion followed on vaccine hesitancy, risk perception, and evidence-based information. The event concluded with a Q&A session, where participants shared personal experiences with chronic respiratory diseases and reflected on the importance of vaccination for their quality of life.
This initiative aligns with the EUTOPIA_HEALTH project's commitment to fostering dialogue about science, creating spaces for participation and discussion on relevant societal issues.
