220,000 First Doses of Covid-19 Vaccines Administered in T&T

By Chantalé Fletcher

A total of 219,763 first-dose vaccines were administered all five regional health authorities inclusive of the various ministries and private sector.

This was revealed by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at the prime minister’s press conference on Saturday at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.

The breakdown of the vaccination distribution:

He said those vaccines in the private sectors have started their second doses today (Saturday).

Deyalsingh said, “This weekend, the intention is to give second doses between the Supermarket Association, pharmacy boards, construction, manufacturers and CEPEP, about 16, 200.

“So, next week Saturday, you wouldn’t see a dash, you would see a very good figure under ‘other’ agencies.”

The minister said, “To date, 105, 586 persons have received their second doses. So hopefully we are on target to meet our goal of 188,900 with two doses by the end of July.”

Deyalsingh raised concerns of two groups after consultation with  President of Trinidad and Tobago Residential Care Association,Carol Ruiz and Secretary of Health Wellness and Family Development Tracy Celestine Davison.

He said, “The healthcare system in T&T has roughly about 16,600 healthcare workers, to date we have vaccinated 8,861 of those which is roughly about 50%.”

Deyalsingh said, “This figure, needs to be up by at least 12,000, so we about 4,000 more healthcare workers to come out and be vaccinated.”

He stated that all five regional health authorities (RHAs) will be going on another drive again, to get more and more healthcare workers vaccinated.

Deyalsingh said that while 8, 861 sounds good, it could be a lot better especially as these individuals work in close conjunctive with Covid positive patients.

“We need about 4,000 more to come out and be vaccinated,” he said.

In reference to the long-stay homes, the minister revealed that 1,143 persons were vaccinated across both islands.

However, when broken down, Deyalsingh said, “It translates into 803 residents and 340 caregivers which makes sense as you want caregivers to be a firewall.”

He stressed that there were continuous challenges in getting the appropriate authorisation from the next of kin or guardians.

In an appeal to next of kin, guardians, children, those with legal authority to, Deyalsingh said, “Let us have the consent to have these elderly patients vaccinated.”

“We cannot vaccinate them against their freewill. We must have that consent, and we would not like one of these homes to be a crucible for Covid-19,” Deyalsingh said.