Terrance Deyalsingh launches mass vaccination to curb COVID-19 effects

Trinidad and Tobago counted an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths as well as the onset of influenza season in the nation. The Minister of Health, Terrance Deyalsingh, is labelling this period as “a season for viruses.”

It is to be noted that Health Minister Deyalsingh launched the ministry’s mass vaccination sites for influenza at the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas on Monday. He urged people to use face masks, especially those suffering from infection.

Noting this, Minister Deyalsingh issued a caution as the nation is currently experiencing COVID-19 cases, influenzas, and non-flu viruses.

Further to this, the Health Minister issues a special appeal, especially for the elders, children and vulnerable people to use precautionary measures during the season. Notably, compromised persons are asked to use face masks wisely to protect themselves from taking the viruses home.

As per Minister Deyalsingh’s statement, around nine people were currently in hospital, and the nation has reported five deaths from COVID-19 since the last update on December 26, 2023.

Unfortunately, Trinidad and Tobago is running out of COVID-19 vaccines as it destroyed 795,000 doses, which had expired in September. Noting this, the government is doing all possible things to procure more vaccines; however, it is a challenge right now as batches are sold in specific and large amounts by different companies.

Further to this, he extended his delight as people are cooperating with the government as they have been wearing masks since December. He remarked this gesture as “one of the best things we can do now.”

“Once your immune system is compromised, I think the prudent thing to do now is to wear a mask”, stated the Health Minister.

More emphasis on elderly and pregnant women

As per the reports, this pandemic widely affected children aged six months to five years and adults aged 60 years and above. Moreover, pregnant women and people who are suffering from non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease are also affected.

Minister Deyalsingh appealed to the people suffering from asthma, cancer and Lupus to seek immediate treatment if they found any related symptoms.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health received 75,000 doses of the influenza vaccine on October 2, 2023. The vaccine was recognised as a ‘Quadrivalent vaccine”, which contained four strains of the influenza virus.

• Influenza A (H1N1)
• Influenza A (H3N2)
• Influenza B (Austria)- Victoria Lineage
• Influenza B (Phuket) – Yamagata Lineage

It is to be noted that the free immunisation for influenza at Divali Nagar will run from January 15 to February 4, 2024. Mass vaccination is also being provided at Gulf City Mall from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm and Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Notably, people may also visit the Micles Atrium at Trincity Mall from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm and the Point Fortin Hospital from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 3 pm.