Today, the second day of the seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign, the Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Freitas, was at the Bom Jesus health centre to mark the beginning of the campaign. While she was there, she was vaccinated as she is part of a professional risk group.
While talking to journalists, Micaela Freitas pointed out that the Regional Government has invested around 700 thousand euros in the ongoing campaign, having acquired 67,500 vaccines, of which there are 49,500 flu vaccines and 18,000 for Covid-19, ensuring that high-risk members of the population are covered free of charge.
Asked about the change that took place at the regional level, where last year vaccinations were free for those aged 50 and upwards. This year, the minimum age group is 60-plus. The Regional Secretary responded by saying that the 2025 strategy is in line with national and international best practices. She went on to stress that the health service has a responsibility to vaccinate vulnerable members of society, and those over 60 are vulnerable!
The minister assured that the decision is not related to financial issues, but the need to concentrate resources on the most at-risk groups. “The objective of vaccination is, in essence, to protect these most vulnerable people, but also to mitigate the effects of flu and Covid in the community and also in the regional health system.” It should be remembered that in the past, Madeira was a pioneer in extending free vaccination to those aged 50 and above, with more than 6,000 doses administered to this age group.
She also acknowledged that adherence to vaccines has fallen short of expectations when asked about the influence of anti-vaccination groups and disinformation campaigns. “Our role is to alert to the benefits of vaccination. People are autonomous and decide according to what they believe, but scientific evidence clearly demonstrates the importance of vaccines to protect not only each individual, but the entire community.”
It should be noted that vaccinations are available at any health centre in the Region; however, they do ask that people make an appointment to avoid long queues and waiting times. When asked about the possible inclusion of pharmacies in the process, the secretary ruled out the hypothesis. “History shows us that no one has ever been left out. The Public Service has the capacity to respond, and it is not justified, at this time, to call on community pharmacies.”
In addition to the elderly, the campaign will cover: children aged between six months and two years, as well as livestock and veterinary professionals.
The campaign runs until the 30th of April 2026, but the health authority recommends that everyone eligible should have their vaccine by the end of this year to ensure greater effectiveness. effectiveness.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
