Dominica receives 11,700 doses of FDA approved Pfizer vaccine from US

Dominica on Thursday received 11,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the United States of America. The vaccines arrived on a FedEx aircraft.

Wednesday, 22nd September 2021

Dominica receives 11,700 doses of FDA approved Pfizer vaccine from the United States

Roseau, Dominica: Dominica on Thursday received 11,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the United States of America. The vaccines arrived on a FedEx aircraft at the Douglas Charles International Airport. US had pledged to deliver 46,800 doses of vaccine, while the remaining 35,100 would be delivered soon. Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister of Health Dr Irving McIntyre very humbly assisted the airport staff in unloading the vaccines from the aircraft. PM Skerrit stated the donations arrived at the right time because from the past two months, due to new outbreaks, Dominica's health systems had been stretched to capacity. [caption id="attachment_37738" align="aligncenter" width="519"]

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit during the arrival of Pfizer vaccine at Douglas Charles airport on Tuesday 21 September 2021.[/caption] He said Dominica had been implementing policies and protocols in the interest of citizens. PM said the 11,700 doses of Pfizer vaccine from the US would act as additional support in the fight against the pandemic. He noted that 44.6% of the adult population in Dominica is fully vaccinated.

"We face a common threat across the world; it is important that we collaborate and assist each other in the crisis," said PM Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.

Prime Minister Dr Skerrit said the vigorous testing techniques, vaccine and health protocols had been critical weapons in Dominica's COVID-19 related fight.

"Our response to COVID-19 has always been proactive and forward-thinking," said Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.

Prime Minister called on all parents and guardians to register their children 12 years and over for the Pfizer vaccine. Parents and guardians can contact their respective schools or register online. He stated Dominica is also carrying out drive-thru testing with assistance from GMED Global- A US-based firm that delivers health care services worldwide. Minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment Dr Irving Mcintyre stated that Dominica is very grateful for the donation. He said the assistance comes at a great time when the country is working on its vaccine roll-out programme. Dr McIntyre said the Pfizer vaccines would help in taking up the vaccine percentages in Dominica. He said Dominicans have a choice of vaccines. The public can choose from three vaccines that are WHO Approved for Emergency Use Listing Procedure (EUL). The vaccines available are Sinopharm (PRC), AstraZeneca (UK) and Pfizer (US). The United States of America and Dominica shares close bilateral ties. The US has been assisting Dominica since it gained independence in 1978. Dave Schnier, Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, stated that donating vaccines to Dominica is a symbol of partnership. He said the US had earlier made available 28,800 doses of Astrazeneca to Dominica through the COVAX facility.