18 to 80 year olds eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in St Kitts and Nevis: Akilah Byron

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: During the Leadership Matters Program, the health minister of St Kitts and Nevis stated that the federation is all set for its vaccine roll-out for the general public. Ms. Akilah Byron-Nisbett stated that to protect the vulnerable, save lives, and reduce the burden on the health sector, the vaccine plan will be rolled out under the administration of the national immunization committee of the ministry of health.She stated that people from 18 years to 80 are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine in St Kitts and Nevis. She noted that any individual over the age of 80 would be required to get evaluated by their physician prior to taking the coronavirus vaccine. The health minister noted that the committee intends to give its best by taking inputs from regional and international health organizations like Pan American Health Organization(PAHO), World Health Organization(WHO), and strategic advisory groups on immunization.Besides this, she stated that St Kitts and Nevis's vaccination plan is based on critical elements like coordination, vaccine delivery infrastructure, supply chain, and evidence-based approach in decision-making. Health Minister stated that St Kitts and Nevis' immunization plan is based on a three-phased approach. She said that the government's overall aim is to ultimately obtain the COVID-19 vaccine for a wider population as the nation intends to vaccinate 70% population initially."As a small island, developing state, we have been able to protect our citizens and successfully prevented COVID-19 related mortalities with all the limited tools and resources," stated Akilah Byron-Nisbett, health minister of St Kitts and Nevis. St Kitts and Nevis is among the very few countries in the world to record no coronavirus-related fatalities. The twin-island nation has so far recorded only 41 confirmed cases of the virus while 39 have already recovered from the contagious virus. It was also among the first countries in the region to close-down its borders to international travellers.