RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With over 73% of its population now fully immunized and expecting to reach 85% before the end of September, Portugal is currently discussing demobilizing some of its mass immunization centers.
To address the emergency vaccination against Covid-19, large structures have been set up from North to South of the country.
Although a significant part of the resources and professionals come from the SNS (National Health Service), the structures represent high operating and maintenance costs for local governments.
The authorities believe that in the near future vaccination against the novel coronavirus will no longer be performed only in specialized immunization facilities, but will instead be available in the health center network that currently serves the Portuguese population.
A report published by Público newspaper indicates that mayors in several Portuguese cities are considering the closure of mass immunization facilities. However, the potential administration of a third vaccine dose may delay these plans.
In the first large vaccination center to open its doors in Portugal, in the Gondomar Multipurpose Pavilion, the demobilization “is currently being prepared,” confirmed mayor Marco Martins.
In Cascais, which has two large vaccination pavilions, only one is currently being used. However, the facility is ready to restart vaccination as early as September, in case there is a peak in second dose administrations.
Also according to Público newspaper, in Lisbon, where 7 mass vaccination centers have been installed, the City Hall is awaiting instructions from the regional health administration before implementing any changes.