The People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd recently commenced its new initiative with the Ministry of Health to ensure access of COVID-19 vaccines to its clients.

National Immunization Manager, Tecla Jn Baptiste, applauded the initiative and says this provides an additional opportunity for people to access vaccines in a comfortable environment.

“This is really a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the People’s Discount Pharmacy. For us at the Ministry of Health and also the owner of People’s Discount Pharmacy, it is important that vaccines become available and accessible to our population. For them, it is about people accessing vaccines in a familiar environment where they access other medications. For us, we think it is a brilliant idea. We welcome public-private partnerships. It is an excellent avenue to reach out to the people.”

Owner of People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd, Rosemary Michel, says she is pleased that pharmacies can play a part in healthcare and encourages people to get vaccinated.

“From a pharmacist’s point of view, all medications have side effects. Even aspirin that people take to save their lives can create a lot of problems otherwise. So we are encouraging people that it is important to take the vaccine. It is not only for you but also for your family because you can pick up something out there and take it home. So we encourage people to take vaccine, it is going to help solve the spread that we are now experiencing.”

The COVID-19 vaccination drive at the People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd will take place every Thursday at the St. Louis Street Branch from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Ministry of Health encourages other pharmacies around the island to come on board and make vaccines available to the public.