New date for start of vaccine second doses

The administration of the second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will now start from tomorrow, Monday, April 19.

Co-coordinator of the Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, Major David Clarke, said persons would be contacted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Immunisation Unit via email, text or telephone on when and where to go to get the second shot.

Phase two of the programme was slated to start on Saturday, April 17, but was delayed because of the impact of the ash fall from the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Major Clarke further explained that, in some cases, the date stated on the blue vaccination certificates/cards for second doses would not be applicable since the four-week timeline originally given to persons was extended by health officials to 10 or 12 weeks.

Scientific evidence shows that the vaccine is more effective if the second dose is administered 10 to 12 weeks apart from the first.

Persons are asked to walk with their blue cards when attending appointments. (BGIS)