'Smooth covid19 vaccine rollout at SWRHA'

There was reportedly a smooth covid19 vaccination rollout at the health facilities run by the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA).

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said at a media conference that 274 doses had been administered by 2 pm on Tuesday at the SWRHA.

The SWRHA said the administration had been smooth and seamless so far because of the efforts of its employees and valued patients.

Asked what was the projected number of vaccines to be administered by the end of the day, it said, “We reserve comment or release of such figures due to the fluidity and constant monitoring.”

On Tuesday the government began to roll out the first of 33,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines received to date. The target is 1,000 shots a day.

The health centres listed in the south region for covid19 vaccinations are the Couva , Princes Town and Siparia district health facilities and the health centres at Freeport, La Romaine, Marabella, Point Fortin and St Madeleine. There are 21 covid19 vaccine sites throughout the country.

When Newsday visited the Marabella Health Centre on Tuesday morning there was no rush and no long lines of people who wished to be vaccinated.

Several people said the process went smoothly and were happy to have received the vaccine.

Bertrand Davis, 69, said he and his wife are patients at one of the clinics and has been called in for their vaccinations

“We did not encounter any problems. We came from about 10 am and were attended to in 15 minutes. We are happy that we were able to receive the vaccine and should be taken.

“We feel much safer from the virus, especially as elderly people in society, it gives us a fighting chance against this deadly virus. We feel more comfortable to move around.”

Jean Cozier and her husband Kenneth Cozier, both in their 70s, said they feel safer after having taken the vaccine.

She said, “We took the vaccine and hope that it has the effects that it should. Prevention is better than cure. But we still have to adhere to the health protocols with and without the vaccine. I hope people realise this.”

The SWRHA urged patients to confirm their appointments by calling its customer care centre at 877-9742, extension 2, option 2.