Dominica vaccinated 38% of the target population

National Epidemiologist of Dominica Dr Shalauddin Ahmed stated on Thursday evening that the country has six active COVID-19 cases while 158 people have successfully recovered from the disease.

During the press briefing of the health ministry, Dr Shalauddin Ahmed stated that there have been no deaths to coronavirus in Dominica. He noted that all six active cases are imported and currently asymptomatic.

Discussing the country's vaccine drive, Dr Ahmed stated 17,674 people have received their first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is around 38% of the target population.

"There have not been any reported severe side-effects due to vaccine in Dominica", added Dr Ahmed.

Furthermore, the National epidemiologist gave gratitude to the vaccine management teams, primary health care operators and central medical stores. He also encouraged people to contribute to the vaccine drive of the country.

Mignon Rolle-Shillingford, Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit, stated that the coronavirus vaccine is a simple, safe, and effective way to reduce the country's infection rate.

She stated that most vaccines' side-effects are often very minor, and they have been around for centuries. She added that the WHO and PAHO online allow the emergency use of a vaccine once it passes all the effectiveness criteria.

"The trials are done in three stages; after the three stages, if their results are satisfying, that is when the licensing is applied", added Mignon Rolle-Shillingford.

She stated that the COVID-19 vaccine was made quickly because the science was already being studied because it is not the first time some type of coronavirus affected the world, including SARS.

"Scientists also envisioned or predicted a disease would return and have a significant effect on the world." Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit.