3,000 vaccines for protective services

Trinidad and Tobago’s protective services have been given an initial 3,000 doses of covid19 vaccine for frontline workers says Minister of National Security Stuart Young.

Speaking at the 1st Infantry Battalion, Camp Ogden, Long Circular Road, St James where the heads of division of national security received their covid19 vaccinations, he said, “So not everybody is going to get it in this first rounds of vaccines that we’ve been provided at national security. But we have certain tests in place, certain protocols and policies in place as to who qualifies for frontline and we will make sure it’s appropriately distributed on a pro rata basis to the various divisions and they will then do what needs to be done.”

On Saturday, Young; Commissioner of Police Garry Griffith; acting Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Dexter Francis; acting Commissioner of Prisons Dennis Pulchan; Chief Fire Officer Marlon Smith; Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management CEO, Major General (Ret'd) Rodney Smart; Chief Immigration Officer Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews; and Commandant of the TT Cadet Force, Lt Colonel Reynold York all got vaccinated.

Young, who told reporters he had high blood pressure, said it showed the population the confidence the heads of national security had in the vaccine, and furthered the fight against covid19.

He urged people,“Please consider getting the vaccine. Of course, speak to your personal health care physician before and just make sure you are a candidate for the vaccine and then go right ahead and get it done.”

He added that parliamentarians and frontline workers would also be vaccinated starting on Saturday.

D’Abadie/O’Meara MP Lisa Morris-Julian was one of the parliamentarians who received the vaccine at Sangre Grande Enhanced Health Centre on Saturday at 9.30 am.

She told Sunday Newsday she was feeling well and everything went smoothly although she was a bit nervous because she did not like needles. She described the process as quick and painless, and said the nurses were courteous and kind.

“I was heartened to see how many people were lined up to do their vaccination. And I would like to encourage anyone who can to get vaccinated as it’s the only way we would be able to beat this thing.”