VACCINATION DRIVE CONTINUES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

The Government of Dominica continues to make Covid-19 vaccines readily available to citizens to continue the fight against Covid-19 in Dominica.

Head of the Vaccination Unit in Dominica, Dr. Keevian Burnette, says that while vaccines may not prevent one from contracting the virus, it does however, provide an additional layer of protection against the virus.

“The vaccines stimulates the body’s immune response to produce antibodies and other proteins that will help fight the virus if one gets exposed.  This means that the vaccines reduces the severe symptoms or ensures that symptoms if any will be mild and recovery will be much quicker. The Covid-19 Unit understands the importance of achieving herd immunity and continues to ensure the free equitable distribution of vaccines across the island to everyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine,” Dr. Burnette stated.

Dr. Burnette says the unit has been actively targeting different groups to achieve herd immunity within different organizations such as private sector entities, schools and offices. He reminded citizens that the vaccination drive continues.

“The Unit continues to administer vaccines, the 2nd dose of the Pfizer that is, to children between the ages of 12 and 17 at various locations including the schools or respective health centres in the given catchment area,” Dr. Burnette added.

As at October 22, fifty-one percent of the target population took the first dose of the vaccine that is fifty-three thousand, two hundred and eighty-one people while forty-five point six percent of the target population are now fully vaccinated.