Bahamas secures commitment from India’s govt over COVID-19 vaccine

Bahamas: Prime Minister of Bahamas Hubert Minnis announced that National COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan is in the final stages of completion in preparation for the first batch’s arrival AstraZeneca vaccines.

Eight to 10 vaccination sites have been identified in New Providence, including drive-thru sites. Vaccination sites have been identified on Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.

Additional platforms being looked into to distribute the vaccine to increase access to and ensure equity of distribution to all communities. The focus will be placed on high-risk populations.

Mobile units will be used to safely distribute vaccines to vulnerable populations in their communities. Vaccine appointment software very near completion and is expected to be rolled out in advance of distribution.

Those who choose to take the vaccine may schedule appointments using their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Appointment centers will be established for those without access to the internet or a device.

Healthcare workers, people over 65, uniformed branch members, frontline workers, critical workers in high-risk settings, and other essential workers will be among the priority groups to receive the vaccination on New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Health teams will vaccinate all eligible residents who choose to take the vaccine simultaneously on the Family Islands. The schedule will not follow the prioritized group rollout.

US Embassy has offered to assist with air transportation to the Family Islands during the vaccine rollout, especially to smaller islands and cays.

On Monday, 22 February, officials expected to receive more details related to the shipment of the 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine secured through the COVAX Facility.

The Bahamas govt has been able to secure a commitment from India’s govt for a small quantity of AstraZeneca vaccines from a WHO/Emergency Use Listing (EUL)-an approved manufacturer in India.

The administration continues to work on all fronts to secure additional approved vaccines for The Bahamas. Officials are speaking directly with multiple suppliers to obtain more WHO/EUL-approved vaccines.

The Government will only accept coronavirus vaccines pre-qualified for use by the World Health Organization and approved by stringent regulatory authorities.

PM Minnis says he will take the coronavirus vaccine and urge family and friends to take the vaccine.

There will not be an administration mandate to take the vaccine. The AstraZeneca vaccine will be administered in two doses and will be available free of charge. All eligible citizens were urged to take the vaccine.

Getting vaccinated will help the country return to a greater level of normalcy. It will also help the economy to redeem faster.

When a large percentage of Bahamians are vaccinated, the nation will be able to open up even more responsibly. Possible that being vaccinated will be a requirement by other nations to travel overseas.

To avoid another surge, people must continue to follow the coronavirus prevention guidelines, wear a mask, keep a distance of at least 6 feet, wash their hands and avoid large crowds.

PM to present a mid-year budget presentation to Parliament on Wednesday 24 February, when he will record on the economic and fiscal situation.

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