Smooth covid19 vaccine rollout in Siparia

On Thursday, the covid 19 vaccination programme rollout continued without any hiccups at the Siparia District Health Facility.

Newsday spoke with several people outside at the SS Erin Road, and many expressed joy to be among the first group of people to get it.

Edward Jones, 66, of Palo Seco, said health officials called him on Sunday telling him to visit the facility for his first dose of the vaccine.

"The process went smooth inside. I am happy I took it. In case there is a rush later on or if it runs out, I already took it," Jones said. "I am glad for those people who do not want to take it. Some of them (are) saying all sorts of things about the vaccine. To me, this will help."

Jones said he has diabetes and attends a clinic at the Palo Seco Health Centre.

Korisha Mohammed, 69, of Goodman Trace, Penal Rock Road in Penal, smiled as she left.

"There were no problems whatsoever inside. The staff was nice. I got a call Saturday to come here today for it," Mohammed said. "Some people came without appointments trying to get vaccinated. Some of them were quarrelling with the staff. They were giving a nurse talks. She told them they must register first, then return."

AnnMarie Beckles, 62, of Penal, said she was doing her part to prevent the spread of the virus.

"I want to live, and I think this vaccine will help. I am the first one in my family to take it. I am doing my part. I feel good," Beckles said.

She said she had a ruptured intestine and attends a clinic at the San Fernando General Hospital.

On Tuesday, the Health Ministry started the rollout using the World Health Organization-approved Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

A man in Siparia said he was unaware of the vaccination programme.

He told Newsday, " I went to my regular clinic, but no one told me about it. I did not know. I want to take it too."

A woman said she was sceptical about the vaccine.

"If I see good results, then I would take it. I will not be taking that anytime soon, it is too early to say what the side effects might be."

As of 4 pm on Thursday, the Health Ministry announced a total of 4,777 people nationwide had been vaccinated since Tuesday.