Persons to be contacted for second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Immunisation Unit reminds members of the public that they will be contacted via email, text or telephone to receive an appointment for the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

While there is a date stated on the blue card, which is given to persons after the first dose, it is recommended that they wait until they receive confirmation from the Immunisation Unit as to when and where to go for the second shot.

Co-coordinator of the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, Major David Clarke, explained that this was being done for a few reasons.

“Due to the ash fall from La Soufriere volcano, we had to change some of the [vaccination] sites to indoor locations, so, for instance, the Globe Drive-in would not be used right now.  So, we had to look for more suitable indoor locations.

“Also, when we initially started vaccinations, people were given four weeks. When the medical committee reviewed the evidence, it was decided that the second dose should be given between eight to 12 weeks.  The other consideration is that the first set of vaccines we received [from India] expire at the end of May.

“We are trying to vaccinate all of the people who received first doses and we are trying to complete that by the end of May – some people may get theirs at eight, nine or 10 weeks, so we can get through the approximate 64,000 people done in the first phase,” Major Clarke stated.

He added that even if persons had a 12-week date for the second dose, they, too, would be contacted by the Unit for their appointment.

The administration of second doses began on Monday, April 19. (BGIS)