The Portuguese Population is Amongst the Most Vaccinated

From recent observations, it was found that Portugal has vaccinated nearly its entire population. Being amongst the most highly vaccinated countries in the world. This campaign was led by vice Adm. Henrique Gouveia e Melo, he used the strategy of not involving politics to accomplish the task and says this was a principal factor to the success.

A woman in the nearly empty waiting room of a vaccination center last month in Lisbon. Credit...Armando Franca/Associated Press

Portugal has officially vaccinated 86% of its total population and 98% of those eligible for vaccines (those over 12). Numbers have dropped significantly and have plateaued. Some reactions to the vaccine were unpleasant however, they are nothing compared to catching the virus itself.

There was a recent release of all COVID regulations which allows clubs to open back up for those with a vaccination certificate. Ever since the reopening of clubs, the Portuguese citizens have taken advantage after nearly two years of being stuck at home.

Proof that the vaccine has been effective and that there has not been an increase in cases is our very own school. At Oeiras International School there have not been any cases of COVID since the school year started in September. Hopefully, it will remain that way.

There have been some people saying that the vaccine wears off over time and Portugal is considering starting to give a reinforcing dose to the elderly and those most vulnerable. The recent Delta variant of the virus has also shown to be stronger and not as protected from the vaccine so Portugal could face a rise in cases. With no sign of increasing cases so far, there is no reason to bring back the old regulations. There is a close observation of the cases to make sure that there is no increase and need for a third lockdown.

Bibliography

Marc Santora, Raphael Minder. “In Portugal There is Virtually No One Left to Vaccinate” The New York Times. 1 October 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/01/world/europe/portugal-vaccination-rate.html?searchResultPosition=1