The current Miss Galway who works as a medical scientist at University Hospital Galway has spoken of the hope that the rollout of the Covid 19 vaccine has given society.
Pamela Uba, Medical scientist at University Hospital Galway was among the first few members there to receive the first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine within the Saolta group.
“I was delighted to receive the vaccine so early on in its roll out. They are currently prioritising frontline workers in the HSE and those in high risk groups and elderly in nursing homes. Medical scientists have been in at the forefront of the pandemic," she said.
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She spoke of the stress that Covid 19 has placed on frontline workers. "Since March, medical scientists have been working above and beyond their contract hours. There are extended working days on call and overtime. My department of Clinical Biochemistry are responsible for providing nurses and clinicians with results in particular certain proteins that are high in Covid patients.
"Based on this, a management and treatment regime is decided on. I think that the arrival of these vaccines give people a hope that we may soon return to some normality and is a positive beacon of light."
Historic vaccination campaign
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Photo:- Dave Cooley
"I am really looking forward to being part of this historic vaccination campaign. Upon getting your vaccine, information will be provided to each person who receives the vaccine explaining the process to them, including the requirement to receive a second dose of this vaccine in three weeks to ensure your immune system has adequate capacity to provide a fuller protection against the virus.
"Last year was a very difficult year for everyone including health care staff. The roll out of the vaccine sheds some positivity. I want to thank all our peer vaccination team here in UHG and across other hospitals for their commitment to rolling out this essential vaccine and all the essential workers out there doing their best."
