Algarve is already vaccinating against Covid-19: «I feel like crying with joy»

Maria Clara Nogueira and Vitalina Vieira, operational assistants at the Hospital de Faro and Portimão, respectively, were the first people to be vaccinated against Covid-19, in the Algarve, this Tuesday, the 29th, at around 11:30 am.

Today, professionals from health centers in the region have also started to be vaccinated, in actions that take place in the three Health Center Groupings: Barlavento, Central and Sotavento.

Em Faro, Maria Clara Nogueira was chosen to start the vaccination. Operational assistant at the hospital for 27 years, in recent months she has only worked in the Covid-19 area. Seconds after taking the vaccine, administered by the nurse Joana Pereira, he did not hide his happiness.

«I feel like crying with joy. Of pride. This didn't hurt at all,” he said. For the professional, these months were “very difficult”, but there is hope. "Let's hope things get better: we're doing it."

Maria Clara Nogueira – Photo: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação

The choice of being the operational assistants in intensive care and emergency care – rather than doctors and nurses – the first to be vaccinated at the University Hospital Center of the Algarve was symbolic, as these are professionals who are also at the forefront of the pandemic.

For Maria Clara Nogueira, this choice is “an honor”. «I wasn't expecting it and I thank whoever chose me».

In this first wave, 1100 doses of vaccine came to the Algarve, 900 of which will be administered to employees of the Hospital and University Center of the Algarve – 600 in Faro and 300 in Portimão -, and the remaining 200 to Primary Health Care professionals, centered in health centres.

Ao Sul Informação, Paulo Neves, member of the Board of Directors of the University Hospital Center of the Algarve, explained that, until the 31st, 900 vaccines will be given, with six collection points in each hospital.

The start of the vaccination campaign against Covid-19, in the Algarve, was accompanied by António Lacerda Sales, Deputy Secretary of State and Health.

The member of the Government is in Portimão, where he has already attended the vaccination at the hospital and where he will also be at the local Health Centre.

For those who have doubts about the vaccine, which is optional, Maria Clara Nogueira, the first to be inoculated in Faro, left a message: «may not be afraid. Go ahead!".