By Sue-Ann Wayow
DESPITE the inclement weather on Tuesday, many showed up in the rain to get their Covid-19 vaccinations at the mass site at the Southern Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA).
Since Monday, the site began operations and people have been flooding to make appointments or just walking in hoping to be serviced.
And at that site, there have been no major negative complaints as people walked out smiling after having received their vaccine jab.
Chief executive officer of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) Dr Brian Armour told AZPNews.com, “The SWRHA is pleased to advise that our successful vaccination process continues at our nine locations and the mass vaccination site at SAPA.
“At SAPA, patients expressed their delight with the smooth rollout, notwithstanding the arrival of several hundreds, who assembled for their first dose.”
He added, “SWRHA reminds our valued clients to make an appointment via 87-SWRHA or our WhatsApp numbers. Only appointments will receive priority.”
AZPNews.com visited the site on Tuesday and spoke with several persons who received the vaccine of varying ages including ex-politicians. They all expressed satisfaction with the service and no one mentioned any ill feeling afterwards.
Singer Joel John, who had a planned Mother’s Day concert at the venue, joked about instead of singing at SAPA, he was there for a vaccine.
He said, “They (SWRHA) well organised especially inside, the whole process was well done. I got the vaccine at the appointment time and then they just kept you for half an hour observation.
John said he decided to take the vaccine along with his wife because of underlying health conditions.
Another person who came from Palo Seco for a walk-in shot for his epileptic son was pleased after his son was administered the vaccine.
An elderly lady said she did not even feel when she was administered the vaccine.
However, unlike those who received the first dose of the vaccine and received a date on their immunisation card to return for the second dose, there was no date written to return for a second dose on the cards received.
Due to uncertainty of vaccine availability, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had said, the vaccines they were holding for the second dose would be available to the public as a first dose adding it was better to have one dose of the vaccine than none at all.
AZPNews.com was told the mass site at SAPA may be operational for two weeks.
