The Pio Albergo Trivulzio, the Milanese institute for the third age symbol of the massacre of the elderly in the RSA, arms itself against the Coronavirus.
And on European Vaccine Day, here where Covid attacked hard with more than 400 deaths in four months last spring, the first 50 doses of the vaccine arrived on a car escorted by a steering wheel.
A sigh of relief for 12 patients and 38 employees, including doctors, nurses, social health workers and a warehouse worker, who have decided to undergo the vaccination.
The virologist and scientific supervisor of the facility, Fabrizio Pregliasco, was instead vaccinated at the Niguarda hospital, along with other well-known names in the fight against the virus, such as the infectious disease specialist Massimo Galli and Silvio Garattini, president of the Mario Negri Institute.
But if there was an atmosphere of contentment at Trivulzio, another fact is bound to arouse controversy.
"Only 20% of the operators of the Brescia RSA have joined the vaccination campaign. Too little and I don't understand why", said the general manager of Ats Brescia, Claudio Sileo.
"As an Order we will do everything to convince colleagues to get vaccinated" added Stefania Pace, president of the Brescia nursing professions order.
"Covid has devastated retirement homes - recalled vice president Paolo Boldini -, it is incomprehensible that colleagues do not want to get vaccinated. If doctors and nurses of the RSA remember the devastation experienced, I am convinced that they will change their mind".
The first elderly person to receive the dose at the Pio Albergo Trivulzio is Franco Brioschi, 88, from Milan, former upholsterer and house painter.
To assist from a distance, connected by video call, his brother Roberto, 80.
"I'm very happy for him, and now I'm calmer after months of worry."
His hope is to be able to hug his younger brother soon, without fear.
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