On Tuesday, March 2nd, a total of 11 healthcare personnel from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II received their first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination campaign is taking place nationwide and will first be administered to front-line workers within COVID-19 units in private and public medical institutions. In this first round, 500 healthcare workers will be given the injection out of 1,000 doses donated by the Government of Barbados.
The vaccine’s anticipated rollout in San Pedro Town started shortly after 1PM with staff from the different polyclinic departments. The first group of professionals to be vaccinated included pharmacists, doctors, nurses, dentists, and technicians. Before receiving the vaccine, each person was interviewed and asked if they were feeling sick, had any allergies, and had their first dose of the vaccine. The process was swift, and they only experienced a slight pinch.
Afterward, they were observed in a separate room for 15 minutes, with no signs of distress noticed. Each recipient was presented with a vaccination certificate and given medication/pills to treat any possible side effects caused by the vaccine. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is said to cause minor side effects such as headaches. The second required dose is expected to be administered in May.
The vaccine rollout will continue for the remainder of the week at the polyclinic for other healthcare workers. Other medical institutions on the island vaccinating their staff include Belize Medical Associates north of San Pedro.
This Saturday, March 6th, 25,000 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive via India’s donation. Later this month, over 100,000 vaccines will be delivered to the country from the COVAX facility. With this number of supplies, other groups such as persons 60 years and older, those with special conditions, teachers, police, tourism stakeholders, military, government, transportation, other public servants, among others, will be vaccinated.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness advises that even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the public should continue to follow safety measures by wearing a mask when in public areas, staying six feet apart, and washing and sanitizing hands often. The Ministry also advises staying at home unless conducting essential duties.
