Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

09/16/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2021 13:13

GOV’T OF DOMINICA CONTINUES VACCINATION DRIVE TO ACHIEVE HERD IMMUNITY

The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, is encouraging the public to get vaccinated. The Ministry continues its vaccination drive and makes vaccines available at several health and wellness facilities across the island.

Currently the Ministry of Health is offering two types of vaccines the AstraZeneca and the Sinopharm vaccine, which should be taken in two doses. Prime Minister Hon Roosevelt Skerrit has stated the Pfizer vaccine will so be made available to citizens and children from the age of twelve to seventeen will be allowed to receive this vaccine.

Dr. Keevian Burnette is the National Coordinator of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Unit.

'A number of Covid vaccines are available in our country right now, namely Sinopharm, AstraZeneca and soon to arrive Pfizer. These vaccines are used in achieving immunity among the Dominican public. As we are all aware, vaccinations is one of the best ways to decrease transmission and spread of such a dreadful disease. As a result the covid-19 vaccination programme continues to make vaccines available to everyone residing in Dominica free of charge,' Dr. Burnette stated.

As of September thirteenth approximately twenty three thousand one hundred and sixty three individuals have been partially vaccinated while twenty thousand five hundred and seventy one has been fully vaccinated. Dr. Burnette says if these numbers increase this will bring Dominica one step forward to achieve herd immunity.

'With daily increases of vaccination, this aids in achieving the objective of herd immunity for our beloved country. Herd immunity also known as population immunity is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is either immune via vaccination or immunity developed though previous infections. However, according to the WHO, herd immunity against Covid-19 should be achieved by protecting people through vaccinations, and not by exposing them to the pathogen that causes the disease and may lead to unnecessary cases and eventually deaths,' Dr. Burnette explained.

The objective of the vaccination programme is to identify the key population at risk for developing covid-19 infections and to ensure reasonable distribution of safe and effective vaccines within the Dominican population for the prevention of covid-19 infections.

The National Coordinator for the covid-19 vaccination unit says several programmes are in place to sensitize and educate the public on vaccination.

Dr. Burnette encouraged the public to continue to adhere to and follow the protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment to contain the spread of covid-19.

'We must continue wearing our masks, washing our hands with running water and soap as well as boosting our immune system with our essential vitamins, including Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Zinc, Vitamin B Complex and also hydration. Not forgetting social and physical distancing and avoidance of large crowds and gatherings,' Dr. Burnette added.