By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO new facilities have come on stream to vaccinate people in the fight against Covid-19 in Trinidad and Tobago.
They will deal with the administering of the vaccine to those with existing appointments.
In a release on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health stated that from Thursday to Sunday, two new vaccination locations at the Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah and the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua would be available.
All existing Covid-19 vaccine appointments for the designated facilities will be honoured and brought forward to the week ending Sunday, the ministry added. The vaccination of eligible people using the current stock of vaccines, will end in approximately one week.
Three additional designated vaccine facilities have also been activated at Morvant, Carenage and St Helena.
To date, approximately 20,000 persons have received the Covid-19 vaccine in Trinidad and Tobago the ministry stated.
While new appointments will not be given at this time, healthcare workers, people with non-communicable diseases and those who are 60 years and older may contact the various Covid-19 vaccination facilities, via the call-in or WhatsApp numbers, to be included in the list of eligible persons who are interested in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, when new stock becomes available. No walk-in appointments will be facilitated at this time. The Ministry reminds the public that all persons with underlying medical conditions should liaise with their healthcare provider before taking the Covid-19 vaccine.
The Ministry of Health is presently not administering the vaccine to pregnant and breastfeeding women, persons under the age of 18 and those with a history of severe reactions to a component in the vaccine.
On vaccination day, persons are encouraged to have a good meal or non-alcoholic beverage and wear clothing that will provide easy access to the upper arm for vaccination.
They must walk with a valid form of identification and Immunisation Card or clinic card where applicable.
After receipt of the first dose of the vaccine, the Immunisation Card will be updated with relevant information including the type of Covid-19 vaccine administered, the date received and the next appointment date. An Immunisation card will be provided for those who do not have a card. Persons will remain in observation for 30 minutes before leaving the facility.
Members of the public will be contacted to be reminded of their next appointment date. Persons should return to the same facility for their second dose of the vaccine.
In T&T, vaccination remains voluntary.
And the Ministry of Health emphasises that only vaccines that have attained World Health Organisation (WHO) approval and have undergone rigorous scientific and clinical analysis, in keeping with the highest vaccine testing standards, are used in Trinidad and Tobago.
