US delivers the first trench of Pfizer vaccines to Dominica

Dominica: Dominica welcomed the donation of 11,700 COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines from the United States government on Tuesday to assist the nation in battling the contagious coronavirus outbreak. Vaccines arrived via FedEx aircraft at the Douglas Charles International Airport.

This was the first tranche of the 46,800 COVID-19 vaccine doses pledged by the US government, and the remaining 35,100 will arrive soon in Dominica.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Health Minister – Dr Irwing McIntyre were present at the arrival of the vaccine donation and also aided the airport staff in unloading the donation from aircraft.

Prime Minister stated that the health system had been stretched to capacity in Dominica and the donation just came at the right moment, adding that the nations across the world need to come together in the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak.

Stating the donation as a significant milestone, PM Skerrit emphasized that this donation will be used for children between the – age group of 12 – 17 years by this week only and urged the parents to register their child to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

He outlined that so far, 44.6% of Dominica’s adult population has received their second jab of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.

PM Skerrit further noted that the island country is carrying out drive-thru testing with support from – GMED Global- A US-based firm that delivers health care services worldwide.

Strenuous testing techniques, COVID-19 vaccine and health protocols had been effective weapons in the Caribbean island’s fight against the deadliest mutant.

On the other hand, thanking and appreciating the efforts of the US government, the Health Minister added that “This donation will certainly go a long way in Dominica’s efforts in achieving Herd Immunity and also reducing the risk of teenagers bringing the virus to our vulnerable and elderly at home.”

Dominicans now have access to three COVID-19 vaccines – Sinopharm (PRC), AstraZeneca (UK) and Pfizer (US).

Besides this, the Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados – Dave Schnier, stated the donation as a symbol of the partnership between the two nations.