by Ministry of Health On Wednesday May 12, 2021, Saint Lucia received 26,400 doses of the AstraZeneca Vaccine from the COVAX Facility through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This is the second batch of vaccines delivered to Saint Lucia through this mechanism, bringing the total to 50,400 doses. Saint Lucia expects to receive another batch of vaccines soon. This second tranche of vaccines is welcomed, as we work towards ensuring population immunity against COVID-19. Saint Lucia began its COVID-19 vaccination programme on February 17, 2021. As of May 13, 2021, 25,939 persons (i.e., 14.2%) have been immunized with the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, while 16,124 (8.7%) persons have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine. The Ministry of Health & Wellness is pleased with the response, especially during the initial roll-out of the campaign. The uptake of the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine continues to increase, but at a slow pace. However, there is satisfactory uptake of the second dose of the vaccine. This demonstrates that citizens understand the benefit of being fully vaccinated and the benefit it affords. The COVID-19 vaccine campaign, for the past three months, has focused on people who were at high and medium risk of being infected with COVID-19 and those at risk of developing the severe form of the disease. From last week, the campaign transitioned from the phased approach to targeting everyone 18 years and older. It is important for us to achieve COVID-19 population immunity of 70% or greater to regain some level of economic or population normalcy. As a result, the Ministry of Health and by extension the Government of Saint Lucia is ramping up its community vaccination outreach with the inclusion of the Mobile/ Pop-up vaccination Drive from today Friday May 14, 2021. These pop-up vaccination clinics will be established at various high-traffic sites across the island. Persons are encouraged to continue accessing vaccines at the main vaccination sites as well as the mobile unit when it’s in their area. While we strive for the 70% or greater population immunity, it is recommended that people continue with the public health measures including the wearing of masks, adequate hand hygiene, and social distancing to help prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to provide updates on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
The COVAX Facility remains committed to equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the countries.
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