The delivery of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been delayed until Wednesday due to “logistical issues overseas”, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced today.
The vaccine was expected to arrive in The Bahamas today.
During a national address, Minnis said 20,000 doses will be delivered in the first batch. The vaccines are a donation from the government of India.
Minnis said it is expected that healthcare workers can begin booking vaccination appointments online within days of the arrival of the vaccine.
The vaccines will be stored at a cold storage facility on New Providence and will be transferred to the Family Islands as needed.
Noting that vaccines continue to be in high demand, Minnis said The Bahamas is expected to receive 33,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine before the end of March. These doses are a part of the 100,800 doses that were announced last month as part of the COVAX Facility.
Minnis said the remaining doses are expected to arrive in The Bahamas before the end of May.
“The vaccine is not mandatory, but I urge everyone to take the vaccine as soon as you are eligible to do so,” he said.
“Vaccines save millions of lives every year around the world. It is important that all eligible Bahamians and residents come forward and take the vaccine.
“Let me say again that the COVID-19 vaccines we will use in The Bahamas are safe.”
Minnis said if Bahamians are disciplined and take the vaccine, The Bahamas will become more attractive to tourists.
“The start of our vaccination campaign marks the beginning of the end of the emergency phase of the pandemic,” he added.
“There will be challenges ahead.
“However, as we vaccinate increasing numbers of our people we will gradually and responsibly move away from of one of the most difficult periods in living memory.”
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source https://thenassauguardian.com/pm-says-vaccine-will-be-in-country-by-wednesday/
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