Unvaccinated students can no longer enter school in Antigua and Barbuda

The government of Antigua and Barbuda declared that unvaccinated students are not allowed to attend the school premises island-wide. The decision has been taken to protect the kids from catching the coronavirus infection as face-to-face classes resume.

On Wednesday, the office of Prime Minister Gaston Browne released a circular declaring the new guidelines. The new regulations take effect from November 11 2021 (Thursday) onwards for all secondary schools.

The Cabinet made the decision, following serious discussions, to safeguard the students and teachers from the infection. The authorities

agreed that achieving herd immunity within the Secondary Schools is imminent to keep everyone safe.

The Cabinet further examined the Education Act and the recent Covid Regulations. The law requires that parents prepare their children to attend school and get their kids above 12-year vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Authorities said it is the responsibility of all parents to protect and prepare their kids for the face-to-face classes by getting them vaccinated.

Many parents objected to the government's new ruling. Several opposed the guidelines by expressing their views on social media.

Some referred to the government's decision as "evil" and "not practical", claiming that the protection of kids under 12 is as important as those above the particular age group.

While the government claims the decision was necessary as face to face classes resumed in Antigua and Barbuda for the new academic session.

Currently, Antigua and Barbuda is using Pfizer vaccine to vaccinate children over the age of twelve. The dose is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America. As per the researches, no major side-effects has been noted of the Pfizer vaccine and it is considered safe for children over 12.

The vaccine hesitancy has increased not only in Antigua and Barbuda, but in the entire Caribbean and Latin American region.