Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

09/17/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2021 12:45

DCFH LAUNCHES ‘LUNCH AND LEARN’ SERIES TO ENCOURAGE VACCINATION AMONG STAFF

The Dominica China Friendship Hospital has launched a new initiative under the theme 'Lunch And Learn' to stimulate conversation about vaccines and vaccine hesitancy at the hospital with a view towards ramping up the rate of vaccination among all categories of staff, and in particular, nursing staff.

Dr. Dexter James is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.

'A series of this lectures are planned to be delivered this week by a Yale University Specialist in Internal Medicine, Researcher and Educator, Dr. Ramin Ahmadi. The title of his talk is 'Covid-19 Pandemic- What Do We Know?'. Dr. Ahmadi will also talk about vaccines and vaccine hesitancy among health care workers. Colleagues this is a safe space for you to interact and express you concerns about vaccines and vaccinations. SO feel free to express your views and submit your questions through the zoom link,' Dr. James started.

Yale University Specialist in Internal Medicine, Researcher and Educator Dr. Ramin Ahmadi, was speaking on a particular topic which addresses the concerns of breastfeeding mothers who may want to take the vaccines.

'The studies show that post mRNA vaccines in particular, the antibodies will end up in your babies and protect your baby. It would be almost as if your baby was vaccinated for a short period of time. Do not deprive your baby from that,' Dr. Ahmadi stated.

Dr. Ahmadi assured that it was safe to take the vaccine during pregnancy.

'We have now learned that now mRNA vaccines are completely safe during pregnancy. They have been given to several millions of pregnant women in the United States. So we only believe it is safe for them during pregancy but we are recommending it highly,' Dr. Ahmadi noted.

Dr. Ahmadi says the benefits of the vaccine will only be seen when most of the population is fully vaccinated.

'That is the when you see the benefit of the vaccine. The universality and not their efficacy tells you that you can get through that problem,' Dr. Ahmadi added.

During the ensuing weeks, the Dominica China Friendship Hospital hopes to utilize resources such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and experts of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment to deliver messages and talks in support of vaccination.