Citizens make final dash for vaccines

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As COVID-19 vaccination drives ended on Wednesday, just over 10,000 people were vaccinated by the Southwest Regional Health Authority.

Vaccinations have been ongoing over the past few weeks at the La Romaine Health Centre in Sylvia Drive; Marabella Health Centre at Market Street as well as the Siparia District Health facility on the SS Erin Road.

Outside the Siparia District Health Facility, those with appointments were checked off on an appointment list.

Many who got through with their vaccinations praised the medical staff.

Veera Maharaj said, “I had no problems getting through. I called the hotline number and in two days I got my vaccine.”

Mahadaye Ramnarace expressed similar sentiments.

“It wasn’t difficult. We had to answer some questions and then we had to wait for about a half an hour for observation before they let us go.”

Ramtahal Ramanand said the entire process was well regulated.

“There wasn’t any crowded business because everyone was coming in at an appointed time.”

However, a few people who were turned away said they had difficulties making appointments.

“I came here because I got a call that my appointment was for 11 am today. But when I reached here the nurse said my name is not on the list. I don’t know what is going on,” she said.

At the La Romaine Centre, people gathered under a tent in the compound waiting while staff arranged forms for those whose names were on the list.

At Marabella, the system flowed smoothly and only those with appointments were allowed in.

A senior official of the Southwest Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) said there was an increased demand for vaccines.

“So far we have vaccinated more than 10,000 people. This represents one-third of all those who have been vaccinated so far,” the source said.

He noted, “Now that vaccinations have ended, people who did not get through will have to wait until the next shipment of vaccinations arrives.”

The official said the WhatsApp appointment system which was put in place, had worked well in the SWRHA.

“Our call centre and our team of nurses went beyond the call of duty to make sure that everything went smoothly,” he added.

He noted that the demand for the vaccine was higher than the supply because people now had more faith in the efficacy of the vaccine.