Antigua and Barbuda is likely to begin receiving a supply of vaccines within weeks, although the PAHO/WHO Covax Program cannot give a specific date for the delivery of 20,000 doses Information Minister Melford Nicholas explained that recent dialogue could see this suppy arriving as early as the end of this month.
This is a significant change from the initial April target that was shared earlier.
“I cannot be precise but the information that we have coming from PAHO…..they came back to us and said certainly at the latter part of this month we will be assured a supply of vaccines,” Nicholas revealed.
He explained that they are not sure of the specific number of doses that will be shipped.
“The languae that they used was subject to availability. They are not prepared to commit a number but we are going to hold them accountable,” he added.
With this new timeline, government has increased efforts to ensure they are prepared to not only house but administer these vaccines.
A massive public education program is on the cards to educate the public on the vaccines.
“We will be rolling out a massive program but that will instensify once we actual have the vaccines in place,” Nicholas explained.
He admitted that the 20 thousand doses will not be sufficient for the public but instead a figure of around 80 thousand to facilitate herd immunity is acceptable, because of this assistance from several states is being sought.
“While we are going to hold PAHO accountable to this particular regime, we are examining any other modalities where we can obtain a supply from friendly governments.”
Nicholas assured the public that the proper assessment will be conducted through the comittee headed by Dr. Simon before the government acquires any other vaccines outside of the COVAX initiative.
