Avoiding COVID-19 jab might cost high price, says Dr Wilkinson

St Kitts and Nevis: St Kitts and Nevis' COVID-19 vaccination program is in its fourth week with over 20 percent of the population receiving the jab to date.

The vaccine is administered free of charge to the population. However, residents are urged to stand up, roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated so as not to pay a high price.

"The price you will pay is to become seriously [sick] or even to lose your life," said Dr. Cameron Wilkinson, chief of staff of Joseph N. France General Hospital, in the March issue of the television program Leadership Matters.

As global travel increases, officials expect an increase in the number of people traveling to St. Kitts and Nevis for tourism-related purposes. As such, the government is urging that 70 percent of the population be vaccinated before June 2021 to reduce the risk of serious illnesses, hospitalizations or deaths due to COVID-19.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, currently being administered in the two Island Federation, is effective in reducing serious diseases and deaths due to the new coronavirus.

"If you decide not to take the vaccine, the virus will be opened once and the people who are vulnerable - and these are the people who are not vaccinated - are the ones who are suffering," the medical staff said. "My advice to everyone out there is that they should continue to take the vaccine at this time when it's free and when you know it could save your life."

Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris said that time is of the essence.

"One should not procrastinate because lives and livelihoods are really at stake," said PM Harris.

He encouraged everyone to do their part and take a moment while encouraging others in their circle to follow their example. The Prime Minister also praised the various companies and organizations that have hosted educational sessions on the COVID-19 vaccines' safety and efficacy.

"At stake is the recovery of our country, which we must take very seriously," said PM Harris.