By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago will receive its first batch of 40,000 paediatric Covid-19 Pfizer vaccines from Spain as a gift.
This was disclosed by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh on Friday in Parliament.
Upon arrival, the vaccination programme for children between the ages of five and 11 will begin. In this age bracket, there were approximately 120,00 eligible children, the minister said.
Deyalsingh said there was no confirmed date for the arrival but Government was working to have the vaccines in the country at the shortest possible time.
Referring to the expiry date, he said, “ These vaccines have very short expiry dates. The gift from Spain may expire in June 2022 so we are being realistic in what we can administer in that short time frame.”
He also asked the Opposition to encourage children to take vaccines.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for the paediatric vaccines on January 1.
Deyalsingh had said the ministry was currently in discussions with Pfizer Inc for the provision of paediatric vaccines, even prior to approval.
The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine administered to persons between the ages of 12 and 18.
