Following an update by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment on Friday 17th December 2021, Dr. Keevian Burnette, Co-ordinator of the Covid-19 Vaccination Unit expressed that Covid-19 is now one of the biggest threats to lives and livelihoods of all people around the world.
According to him, “In response to this, the development of Covid-19 vaccines have been a remarkable achievement. Vaccines have slowed the spread of the disease, saved lives and paved the way to recovery.”
Furthermore, he noted that the government of Dominica, Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment in collaboration with various non-profit organizations for example PAHO and WHO and other governments through the COVAX facility, has percured safe and effective vaccines for everyone in Dominica. The COVAX facility ensures fair and equitable access to vaccines for every county.
Remarkably, on 15th December 2021, the second batch of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Dominica over a three-day period. “We have received 64, 500 doses. That is equivalent to 10,750 vials,” Burnette articulated. He voiced that when asked which is the best vaccine his response is always ‘the first one which is available to you’.
Moreover, he announced that cabinet has advised the approval of the administration of Covid-19 booster doses to persons who are deemed eligible by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment to receive a booster six (6) months following their initial two (2) doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. The booster dose is administered to people 65 years and over, people 18 years and older who live in a long term care facility, people 18 years and older with a medical underlying condition and people 18 years and over who live or work in a high risk setting.
Further, Dr. Burnette expressed, “In this festive season I urge you all to continue the health and safety measures implemented by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, wash your hands, sanitize, social distance and get vaccinated.” Notably, the Covid-19 vaccines do not create or cause variants of the virus. What it does however is to help prevent new variants from emerging.
Accordingly, the general public is encouraged to seize the opportunity to get vaccinated in an effort of protecting themselves and others. This is the key to ending this pandemic and saving lives, a future that is truly awaited.
