Vaccinations only by appointment

 

The National Vaccination Programme will continue this weekend, but only persons with appointments will be accommodated, says the National Vaccination Committee.

“Wait for a call telling you it’s your turn and giving you an appointment,” a statement issued by the COVID Communications Unit (CCU) said.

It added: “Vaccinations will be made available only to people who have been given appointments. No walk-ins will be accommodated.”

The CCU explained that the committee has taken this position because of the number of people overwhelming polyclinics and vaccination centres, creating long lines over the past five days.

It noted that people with NCDs and senior citizens have had to wait in line for hours because of the large numbers of walk-ins turning up at polyclinics across the island.

“This weekend’s efforts will be concentrated on vaccinating Barbadians over 70 years old who have been given appointments to have the shot. Persons in the over 70 age group have had the largest number of deaths from COVID-19. The strict appointment system being used this weekend will make for more orderly and comfortable processing and shorter wait times at vaccination centres. This structure is expected to improve the patient experience.

“Persons without appointments are asked to stay at home. New information for their guidance will be given next week,” the statement said.

Over 14,000 Barbadians have been vaccinated in less than a week.