[Updated] There will be two vaccination events on Monday [Jan 11] with the first at 10am, while the second will take place at 1pm, with Premier David Burt, Minister of Health Kim Wilson, and Dr. Carika Weldon set to get the Covid-19 vaccination.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson said, “There will be two vaccination events taking place tomorrow, Monday 11 January 2020.
“The first will take place at 10am at the newly created Vaccination Centre, with people who be the first recipients of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which arrived in Bermuda on Friday evening. Dr. Heather Armstrong, Senior Medical Officer will discuss the vaccination processes in place at the Centre.
“The second event will take place at 1pm at the Vaccination Centre, with the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP and the Government’s Scientific Advisor, Dr. Carika Weldon will get the Covid-19 vaccination.”
The spokesperson continued, “The Ministry of Health has created a secondary hotline specifically to answer questions about getting the vaccine and to register members of the public who fit into high risk categories so the vaccine can be administered to them.
“The Ministry is inviting people who are aged 65 years and older to register their interest in taking the vaccine by calling the hotline. The Ministry is prioritizing vaccine recipients by age and vulnerability. People who should call the hotline should fit into the following categories:
“People 65 years and older, with preference given to those who are over 80 years old.
“Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable which includes people who have:
- Immunosuppressant for example chemotherapy or after organ transplant;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE];
- Severe Asthma;
- Severe COPD
“Anyone suffering with:
- Heart disease;
- Chronic kidney disease;
- Liver disease;
- Diabetes.
“The COVID-19 vaccine phone number is 444-2498 – option #2. Operating hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm.”
Update 7.58pm: The Premier tweeted, “Tomorrow the Covid-19 vaccination programme starts in Bermuda. Min Wilson, Dr Weldon, and I will be among the first to get the vaccine. This is being done as I feel that it is important to combat vaccine hesitancy that leaders are prepared to lead by example.
He added, “My family is highly amused that I have decided to be filmed getting a shot. Those close to me know how I am petrified of needles. I will be brave tomorrow as the country needs me to be, but please don’t laugh at me too much if I have a few false starts.”
