Fourth batch of Vaccines still not enough for TCI target

#TurksandCaicos, July 6, 2021 – Even though 7,000 more doses of Covid-19 vaccines are on the way from the United Kingdom, it would still not be enough to take Turks and Caicos to the 70 per cent fully vaccinated mark. 

Residents tuned into a Monday June 28 press conference were less than amused when Minister of Health and Deputy Premier, E Jay Saunders began speaking to the once heavily touted 80 per cent vaccinated for herd immunity goal; many doubting the feat could be reached in the near future.

Nonetheless, that 80 per cent goal is the more ideal goal he said and is being discussed by the TCI Cabinet. 

At this time, 68 per cent of people have received at least the first jab of the Pfizer/BioNtech branded vaccine, which is 23,845 people.  At this time, 61 per cent or 21,495 people are fully vaccinated.    It had been announced in the first quarter of 2021, that 70 per cent is the vaccination goal for a fully re-opened economy. 

So far, Salt Cay is the only island in the archipelago where all Covid-19 restrictions are ended and the economy is fully open. 

When the fourth batch of Covid-19 vaccines arrive at the Providenciales International Airport this week via a Royal Air Force A400, it will be 7,000 doses of only the Pfizer vaccine.  No more AstraZeneca for TCI.

Three hundred doses were ordered by Turks and Caicos in the previous delivery, the UK acquiesced, however according to Hon E Jay Saunders, Health Minister there was “no appetite” among residents for the brand and it expired.