Antigua to start giving 2nd dose of vaccine to frontline workers from today

St John's, Antigua and Barbuda: The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda announced the rollout of the second dose administration of the COVID-19 vaccination for the public. Subsequent to administering the second dose to healthcare workers, members of the cabinet will also receive their second dose on Thursday 13th May 2021 at the office of the prime minister, Queen Elizabeth Highway. Retired parliamentarians will also receive their second dose at Parliament Building on Saturday, 15th May 2021. Leading the charge will be the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rhonda Sealy-Thomas, along with Principle Nursing Officer, Sister Margaret Smith, Medical Director of the Mount St. John’s Medical Center (MSJMC), Dr Albert Duncan, and healthcare workers at the MSJMC, in live coverage of their vaccination process on Wednesday 12th May 2021 from 10 AM. Health officials are reminding members of the public that it is important to obtain the second dose to increase the efficacy of the vaccine and boost protection against COVID-19. The Antiguan Health Ministry stated that the COVID-19 vaccine prevents serious illness, hospitalization, and death. The general public is also asked to pay attention to dates given within their vaccination card for their second dose.

"They are invited to return to the centres where they received their first dose." declared the Antiguan Health Ministry in a press release in late Tuesday evening.

Health Ministry added that persons who received their first dose at the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, they can receive their second dose at the Precision Center, Paynters. The other vaccination sites are located at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre, the Glanvilles Polyclinic, and the Villa Polyclinic. The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will still be administered at all vaccination centers. A subsequent announcement will be made for the second dose schedule for uniformed bodies and targeted groups.