Trinidad and Tobago receives 33,600 doses of vaccine from COVAX

Trinidad and Tobago received the 33,600 coronavirus vaccines from the COVAX facility on Tuesday. Earlier, Guyana had received doses from the World Health Organization's COVAX facility. The vaccine roll-out for health workers and senior citizens will start from April 6, 2021 onwards.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago stated in a press conference that more vaccines are expected to arrive in the coming months until the number reaches 100,800 doses.

Minister of Health Terrance DeyalSingh stated that World Health Organization's approval assures that the vaccines are safe and effective.

"We will continue to prioritize security over efficiency; all arrangements are in place to maintain the national COVID-19 vaccination programme with those at the highest risk and exposure to the virus." added the health minister.

Dr Aloys Kamuragiye- UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, stated that the arrival of the vaccines from COVAX marks a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19.

COVAX aims to provide vaccines for at least 20% populations of each participating country in 2021. The doses would help the countries in vaccinating between 2.2 to 2.6% of their populations.

Since the first case of coronavirus was reported in Trinidad and Tobago, the country has recorded 8,004 cases and 142 deaths.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago stated that until vaccination is widespread among the population, health measures will remain in place.

"For people health authorities this means continuing to conduct screening, contact tracing, isolation, assisted quarantine and quality care, it also means continuing to practice physical distancing, hand hygiene, use of face masks, adequate ventilation of indoor environments and avoidance of crowded spaces." the Press-release added.

Trinidad and Tobago is also expected to receive Oxford Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccines from India. The vaccines would arrive months after the fuss between the government and the opposition.