Dominica requires 24,958 more persons vaccinated for herd immunity

Dominica: Approximately 22,940 people have been partially vaccinated, while 20,464 are fully vaccinated in Dominica. The daily increase of vaccination aids in achieving the objective of herd immunity.

Dominica currently has a 72,193 total population, out of which 59,751 persons are eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine (12 and over). Heard immunity target of 80% for Dominica would require 47,800 persons to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Target from September 1, 2021 is 24,958 persons.

Dr Keevian Burnette, National Coordinator, National COVID-19 Vaccination Unit, said that the government has initiated several vaccination programmes, including the vaccination of the elderly at home. “Elderly vaccination outreach, where we actually go into the homes of the elderly within our district and this is within the seven health districts. People can also call to either have their family vaccinated or come to a health centre and if it is not able, we come to you.”

Vaccination staff is reaching out to all sectors of society to educate and encourage people to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, the personnel are also reaching out to the parents of children to uplift them for the upcoming roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine.

“Vaccines are available at all health centres within the seven health districts in Dominica free of charge.”

“The unvaccinated are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and even worse of getting save early end and dying, with this being said, the World Health Organisation states it is not vaccines that will stop this pandemic but vaccinations will,” he added.

So far, Dominica has registered 6 COVID-19 related deaths and all 6 persons were unvaccinated.