Tobago received its 3,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to cover 1,500 essential frontline workers and people with chronic illnesses who qualify as part of this current phase of the vaccination programme.
The island begins vaccinations next Tuesday.
Trinidad and Tobago received 33,000 COVID-19 vaccines in the first tranche from the World Health Organisation’s COVAX facility this week. Previously Tobago received 200 doses of COVID-19 vaccines in February, part of a gift of 2,000 vaccines to T&T from Barbados.
Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development,Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine lead the team to receive the vaccine vials which arrived on the island at 1pm, yesterday (April 1st), via Caribbean Airlines at the ANR International Airport. Dr Roxanne Mitchell, Acting General Manager Primary Care Services, who is also responsible for the vaccine roll out and Chairman of the Tobago Regional Health Authority, Ingrid Melville were on hand to witness the vaccine handover.
The vaccine roll out will begin in earnest at the health centres located at Scarborough and Canaan.
The Secretary highlighted that vaccination is the current pathway to reopening the borders and the tourism sector. “I urge the public to register and take the vaccine so that we can get on with living. The efficacy of the vaccine is proven. Let’s work with the science. There are great positive stories out there on the vaccines. Let’s get the ball rolling. Come out and get your vaccine. ”
Dr Mitchell reiterated that the vaccine is the key to normalcy: “Do you want normal? She also urged people to keep their appointments for the vaccine. Pre– registration for the vaccine has already started. Additional staff has been hired to engage the vaccination process and to prevent any disruption to normal health care delivery.
“Persons have been clamouring for normalcy. Vaccination is a step toward normalcy, social and economic normalcy,” Dr Micthell said. “With this will come the return of economic and social wellbeing of the Island. You do your part and we will do ours.”
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