Upon an update by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Dr. Keevian Burnette, Co-ordinator of the Covid-19 Vaccination Unit expressed that while persons have been recovering, their health may still be in danger due to Long Covid.
According to him, “This occurs in patients who have recovered from Covid-19. The true cause of this virus is being researched and it indicates that it is caused by fragments of the virus that remains in the body and is reactivated after recovery and causes new, returning or ongoing health problems that one can experience four weeks or more after first being infected with Covid-19.”
Dr. Burnette informed that various research have revealed that Long Covid could be caused by the virus giving an autoimmune response which releases autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. There are even instances in which the symptoms may never subside.
It is because of this that the Vaccination Unit stresses the need to get vaccinated promptly. Dr. Burnette explained that at current, there are three vaccines which are freely available in Dominica which include the AstraZeneca vaccine, Sinopharm vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine. Given that the vaccines are free, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment aims to ensure that the vaccines are distributed equitably to everyone who is eligible to receive them.
Moreover, Dr. Burnette notes, “While we are all aware that vaccines does not prevent you from contracting Covid-19, it does however provide you with an additional layer of protection against the virus.” He expounded that the vaccine stimulates the body’s response to provide antibodies and other proteins to help fight the virus if one gets exposed. Accordingly, the vaccines reduce severe symptoms or may cause a patient to only suffer mild symptoms.
Furthermore, he confirmed that over 9,000 vaccines, including first and second doses, have been administered as of Saturday 24th October 2021. Notably, there has been a growing number of vaccinated persons as well as a growing interest by persons to get vaccinated. This is indeed great news as the Vaccination unit continues to target different groups such as private sector entities, schools and other places.
Importantly, the vaccination drive continues around the island with whistle stops and inoculation at various schools and health centers. The Windsor Park Sports stadium remains a stable vaccination ground from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Quite alarming however, Burnette expressed that research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that the pandemic may continue into the year 2022 due to the unequal distribution of Covid vaccines globally. “However, in Dominica we do not have this issue as the Government of Dominica continues to provide vaccines free to nationals of Dominica or anybody residing in Dominica,” he conveyed.
Additionally, he echoed that every Dominican has the responsibility to be counted and get vaccinated. While the future is uncertain, the present protocols are in place to protect, safeguard and to help minimize any severe symptoms or death which may result from this dreadful virus.
