Brazil is the first country in the Americas to include port workers, as well as other transport professionals in Brazil, in the priority group in the National Plan of Vaccination against COVID-19.
Although there is no date for vaccinations to start yet, the group’s access to vaccine provides relief to these essential workers, who have continued working since the beginning of the pandemic, according to officials.
The port of Paranagua is located in the state of Parana, in southern Brazil. In the Paraná State Health Department’s plan, which follows the National Vaccination Plan – define the priority group adding truck drivers, road and rail passengers, air transport workers, and port workers, there are at least 51,637 workers.
Brazil’s Minister of Infrastructure, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, said, “This is great news for our workers who continued, even throughout the pandemic, to provide a great service to our country. These professionals will have the support of the Federal Government to ensure vaccination as a priority group and we will ensure the safety and conditions they need to continue on roads, ports and railroads.”
In order to be vaccinated, workers must prove that they are part of these groups.
