Following the public notice earlier this week that there were Covid-19 vaccine doses that needed to be used immediately, hundreds of residents responded, and health officials “administered about 600 more vaccines than was scheduled for the day.”
In releasing last night’s test results, the Ministry said, “This past Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported an excess of Covid-19 vaccine doses needed to be used immediately. In response to an invitation to the public to get vaccinated to avoid wastage, hundreds of residents responded by waiting patiently in the rain for their first dose.”
“Between the two vaccination centres, we administered about 600 more vaccines than was scheduled for the day,” advised the Minister of Health Kim Wilson.
“Prior to opening up the extra doses to the broader population, we did call people on our back up list, and the Ministry of Health and some of our stakeholder agencies phoned persons 65 years or older whose contact details we had. Most were either already booked for their vaccine or had had their first dose.”
In response to why there were extra doses available, the Minister explained. “We continue to investigate the matter, but it appears more vaccine was thawed out than could be anticipated by the confirmed appointments.”
“Thanks again to everyone who showed up to get vaccinated and to all the health professionals and administrative staff who worked 12 – 14 hours that day to get the job done.”