Scores, mostly elderly, turn out for vaccinations

Barbadians over 70 years old and those from 18-69, with chronic non-communicable diseases and other underlying health conditions flocked to polyclinics across the island today to get the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

There were long lines at polyclinics, some of which remained closed to facilitate the vaccination of hundreds of people who went to the various locations by appointment.

Scott Galt who was at the Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, Wildey, St Michael, told Barbados TODAY that he was fully equipped with the relevant knowledge about the Oxford AstraZeneca and other types of COVID-19 vaccines.

“The Oxford AstraZeneca is based on an older vaccination type which is the same type as when you had measles and stuff. So to me, the efficacy is not as high as the others, but they have more of a track record with vaccines and that type of vaccine. I am here to take it and I hope other people take it because we are in a pandemic and we want the world to open back up. If people don’t take the vaccine, then it’s going to be hard for people to travel. Herd immunity is the only way forward,” said Galt who commended all the other people who waited in line with him.

Meanwhile, Patrick Jones, who was ahead of Galt, said at age 73, he was not taking any chances. He encouraged all elderly Barbadians to take the vaccine.

Merle Humphrey, the mother of Minister of Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, said she believed it was in her best interest to take the jab because at some time she must leave home to run errands and must be able to do so knowing that her body is protected from the virus.

“I believe that limited risk is better than all the risk. I know my risk lessens of catching the virus if I take the vaccine than if I refuse to take it. Not that I like it anyhow because I am afraid to take it. Because I am over 70 and I have high blood pressure and I am hoping that it doesn’t compromise my health after taking it. Of course, I would encourage others to get it, if not I wouldn’t come and get it,” Humphrey said, as she waited in line.

Orlando Alleyne and his wife Sheila Alleyne were also waiting patiently at the Wildey clinic.

“We think it is necessary for us at our age” he said. “We believe that it is going to help the situation. We are trying to protect ourselves and others. A lot of people are scared to come because they are listening to too much different news and opinions. Everybody is an authority on vaccines. When we were younger we had smallpox, we had polio, and when they came to the schools and give you the vaccine we ain’t had no opportunity to ask nobody if it is good, bad, or indifferent, we just took it and here we are today healthy.

“What we have to do today as a people is to give God thanks for the opportunity that we are still alive and if he has given the wisdom to people to create this, well yes. We never knew about the people that made vaccines in the past and it took them 30 and 40 years, but now we have technology so you could do it in quick time,” Orlando said.

Owen Barker, one of the many standing in a queue at the Glebe Polyclinic, St George said he registered to get the vaccination because his doctor advised him to. He said he expected a long wait after finding out when he arrived that some people standing in line came on Tuesday and were told to return today.

“It seems like there are people on this side that were here from yesterday and then there were people that made appointments and then there were walk-ins. My partner and I might go and try another polyclinic,” Barker said.

Attorney-At-Law Hilford Murrell said he was of the opinion that if Barbadians had listened to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and follow the protocols then Barbados would not have been in the position it was currently in. He said though the level of devastation the virus was causing internationally was been highlighted in the media, some locals did as they pleased.

“They lambasted the Government, saying they took the wrong steps, look what is happening today. Because some people have died, everybody now running to get the vaccination,” Murrell said.

Barbados TODAY’s attempts to speak to officials at the polyclinics were unsuccessful. (anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb)