Antigua & Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health, Wellness & Environment notified that they would roll out its public coronavirus Vaccination Program tomorrow, Monday, 1st March 2021.
Health Ministry said that Four (4) vaccination sites would open at 10:00 am on Monday to the general public with priority to persons 65 years and older and persons who have already registered to take the vaccine. Based on the COVID-19 mortality rate of more aged persons, the elderly have been prioritized for vaccination.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is closely observing the whole COVID-19 vaccination drive.
Prime Minister said, “The four vaccination sites to open on Monday are located at the Villa Polyclinic, the Glanville Polyclinic, the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre, and the Sir Novelle Richards Academy. Beginning on Tuesday, coronavirus vaccination sites will open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm daily at all four sites. Individuals are needed to present their identification cards at the vaccination site.”
The Health of Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph, led a team of Senior Technicians within the Ministry on a series of vaccination place visits over the weekend to ensure readiness for Monday’s vaccination rollout.
The team included the Chief Medical Officer – Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Principal Nursing Officer – Margaret Smith, Acting Superintendent of Public Health Nursing – Almarie Coates. The visits were held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – February 26-28.
Meantime, systems have been made for a mobile unit to prevent the shut-in and those who are physically incapable to visit any of the vaccination sites.
Proper arrangements have been made for the staff of all government departments and statutory organizations to take their coronavirus vaccination on the job site.
Statutory organizations include but is not limited to institutions, such as the Antigua Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), Antigua Barbuda Port Authority, the Antigua Barbuda Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), Social Security, State Insurance, Board of Education, National Solid Waste Authority, Financial Services Regulatory Commission, PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda LTD, LIAT, West indies Oil Company, and the Antigua Barbuda Development Bank.
Health Ministry also noted that A schedule would follow shortly in connection with these organizations. On-site Government Ministries’ vaccination will commence from Tuesday,2nd March 2021 onwards. Unique plans have also been made for the vaccination of teachers through the Ministry of Education. Additionally, vaccination of frontline workers continues.
They include healthcare workers, Antigua Barbuda Defense Force members, The Antigua Barbuda Royal Police Force, Immigration officers, and nursing homes.
Persons receiving the COVID-19 vaccination will be monitored on-site for 15 minutes; however, persons who experience any unfavorable effects at home are asked to call the coronavirus hotline at 462-6843 for assistance.
Sir Molwyn is requesting residents to exercise patience during the public vaccination process while at the same time having physical distancing protocols so that their health will not be compromised owing to violations of the COVID-19 protocols.
He further encourages residents to register for the COVID-19 vaccine via the three available methods – community clinics, online or via the telephone.
Health Ministry also noted, ” For online registration, visit www.vaccineantiguabarbuda.com and select the “Vaccine Registration” tab. Upon clicking the tab, you will be needed to fill out your overall information and when completed, click “submit.” Your registration is then performed. Registration hotline numbers are 788-8299, 736-8295, 736-8298, 736-8299. Pre-registration is necessary for efficiency in the vaccination process.”
The 40k AstraZeneca COVID vaccines will come on the island early tomorrow, Monday, 1st March 2021.
Ramanjot Kaur is a dedicated journalist with a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication, specializing in economic and political news reporting with incisive analysis and integrity.
