By Sue-Ann Wayow
TO date, 4,985 Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in Tobago.
And almost 7,000 have registered to be vaccinated.
This information was revealed by General Manager of Primary Care at the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) Dr Roxanne Mitchell at the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development Health media conference on Thursday.
Dr Mitchell said 4,874 people have received the first dose and 111 received a second dose of the vaccine.
She said the last 600 single doses of the Sinopharm vaccine received last week should be used out by next week Tuesday and already a next batch was ordered from the Ministry of Health. She said Tobago preferred not to stockpile vaccines on the island and requests will be made as needed.
Dr Mitchell said people were more willing to accept the Sinopharm in comparison to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
On the first day May 21, 120 Sinopharm vaccines were administered, 132 on the second day of May 24, 197 persons on May 26 and on Wednesday, 207 persons showed up to get the vaccine.
“It took us a little while with the AstraZeneca to get up to those numbers. We have better uptake for now in terms of persons actually coming in with less hesitance with regard to the Sinopharm vaccine,” Dr Mitchell said.
She added that there were reports of side effects based on check-ups from medical staff.
These side effects include, injection-site pain, redness, a lump at the area “which was common in any intramuscular vaccine,” headaches, general tiredness, pain in the joints, pain or soreness in the muscles.
Dr Mitchell said, “They can be from mild to moderate in terms of intensity. These are the most common side effects that have been noted both in trials and in terms of after we give persons the shots here on the island. We have been following them for about a period of four days and we are noticing that within our population as well.”
The majority who stepped forward to receive the vaccine were those in the 60 and over age bracket and the working class people which would also relate to the age groups of those being infected, she said.
More females, 56% took the vaccine.
Dr Mitchell also called on all police officers, support staff, fire officers, teachers and caregivers in both private and public spaces to register for the vaccines.
“Whether we make special arrangement or not; you are encouraged to register,” she said.
If registered, they would be prioritised because they would be considered essential workers, Dr Mitchell said.
She added that there were crowds at the health facilities , where persons were showing up without appointments and while some may be accommodated, it was not preferred.
The vaccination projection for Tobago was almost 35,000.
To register for a vaccine text or WhatsApp 493–0256 or 493-0824.
