By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago will most likely not receive the third tranche of Pfizer vaccines from the US.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the reason was because of the low response to the vaccine by the population.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual media conference on Wednesday Deyalsingh said US officials made it very clear upon previous tranches that the vaccines must be put to good use.
He said, “When we got in the second tranche of 75,000, I indicated to the population back in February that we were told quite rightly by our friends in the United States that if we don’t show much appetite for this first tranche, the chances of getting a second tranche are going to be significantly dimmed. So said, so done.”
Deyalsingh said, “It is very unlikely that they will gift us any more vaccines, to simply send it down here to be destroyed. It is better it goes to another country that has an appetite for the vaccination programme.”
The minister also said that Trinidad and Tobago was always in the market for vaccines.
He reminded the public that the booster programme continued for adults who wished to be boosted with the Sinopharm and the Johnson and Johnson vaccines which are still available.
They can also receive a fourth dose or a second booster shot, six months after the last dose.
With respect to the Pfizer vaccine, Deyalsingh said, “We will continue to look to see if we get supply.” The Pfizer vaccines expired on June 30. These vaccines were for adults and children 12 to 18 years.
There is currently a supply of paediatric Pfizer vaccines for children five to 11 years.
Out of the latest tranche of 75,000 Pfizer vaccines received from the US, 27,000 were administered and 48,000 had to be destroyed, Deyalsingh said on July 6.
The Pfizer paediatric vaccines received from Spain are set to expire in October.
