Roseau, Dominica: The government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has launched a new digital vaccination card to enable persons to provide proof of vaccination. On Friday- April 8, 2022, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and New Health Investment commenced the launch ceremony.
The chief guest in the launch ceremony was Health Minister Dr Irving Mclntrye and other government officials.
Outlining the significance of digital vaccination cards, Health Minister Dr Mclntrye said that in light of emerging trends around vaccination screening, the development of the digital card is timely as it enables persons to provide proof of vaccination which is increasingly becoming a requirement in accessing and conducting transactions.
He further stated that it is interesting to note that Dominica was the first small island developing state to procure Covid-19 vaccines and, through Caribbean solidarity, shared them with our sister Islands.
“We were also the first in the Caribbean to have PCR testing in the public sector. This launch by no means indicates that the fight against Covid-19 is over. This is just another notch in our belts,” underlined the Health Minister of Dominica.
Benefits of Digital Vaccination Card:
- The digital vaccination card will facilitate travel and make vaccination information more readily available.
- The digital card is accessible through a mobile phone and other electronic devices and is more accepted on international platforms.
While highlighting the aspects of the vaccination card, Dr Mcltnyre noted, “It is our hope that it won’t end with this covid-19 vaccination certificate. Given the advancement in this digital age, much more of our health care information can be digitalized, and we can move away from the paper-based records.”
Further Aspects of Digital Vaccination Card
- That, of course, will make information easier to share and more accessible as we move towards telemedicine.
- This is being carried out through the “Caribbean Digital Transformation Project”, and Dominica has made tremendous progress in this regard.
He also extended the gratitude vaccination unit and PAHO, and Health Minister emphasized, “I would like to thank the Covid-19 Vaccination unit for a job well done, all the doctors, nurses, other health care workers, and support staff. We also have to present special thanks to PAHO and Vaccine donors as well.”
Dr Mrcltnyre applauded the ICT department and affirmed that the ICT depart must be especially commended for their efforts and, most importantly, you, the public, who continue to come out and get vaccinated.
Encouraging the people to be more cautious against the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Mclntrye said, “Let me repeat, the fight against Covid-19 is not over. We must be responsible and do what it takes to protect ourselves, even if some restrictions have been relaxed. Do not let your guards down and get vaccinated.”
