#TheBahamas, August 3, 2021 – The Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells accompanied Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis in receiving another batch of vaccines as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

Also on hand for the arrival were Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pearl McMillian; Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands; Nurse Ruth Bastian, Managing Director, Immunization Centre; and Supt. Larry Bodie, Bahamas Customs.

The Bahamas received 33,600 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which represents the third tranche of pre-paid vaccines through the COVAX Facility.

From this tranche, the government will return 5,000 doses of vaccines that it received from Antigua and Barbuda as part of an exchange in late June.

Meanwhile, PAHO is continuing to advise taking the vaccine, which is one of the measures being used in fighting the COVID-19 virus.

“At this time, vaccines alone cannot get us out of this pandemic. Public health and social measures are also vital to end this pandemic and hasten economic recovery,” said Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We must continue to use these measures that we know work to

reduce the spread of the virus and all its variants — physical distancing, use of masks, hand washing/sanitizing, cleaning surfaces, not touching our faces, and avoiding crowded and closed spaces.

“We do not yet have sufficient vaccination coverage to interrupt spread of the virus. We therefore cannot stop these measures too quickly or else we risk losing the gains that have been made so far,” she added.

To date, globally there have been more than 198 million COVID-19 cases and more than 4.2 million deaths.  This is a 56% increase from four months ago. About 40% of the cases and half of the deaths in the world have occurred in the Americas.  And more than 3.8 billion vaccine doses have been given globally, according to PAHO.

“While this is good news, unfortunately there is huge inequity in vaccine distribution, which is fueling the pandemic,” Dr. Boisson said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister encouraged Bahamians and residents to make their appointments on this website: vax.gov.bs 

And, as part of the national vaccine programme, more appointments can be facilitated for second doses and first time doses.

“For those waiting to make an appointment for a second dose of the vaccine, I encourage you to book your appointment as soon as possible,” The Prime Minister urged.

“If you haven’t received your first dose yet, please book an appointment online or visit one of the walk-up centers as they become available.”

As of 31 July 2021, total doses administered stood at 106,898.  The number of people who have received one dose, 61,803 and; people fully vaccinated, 46,793, according to The Bahamas COVID-19 weekly vaccination progress chart.

Release: BIS

By: Lindsay Thompson

Photo Captions:

Header: The Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells accompanied Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis in receiving another batch of vaccines as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Pictured from left are: Nurse Ruth Bastian, Managing Director, Immunization Centre; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pearl McMillan; Minister Wells; Prime Minister Minnis; Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands; and Supt. Larry Bodie, Bahamas Customs. 

1st insert: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis receiving the third tranche of vaccines as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Pictured is Prime Minister Minnis, along with Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

2nd insert: Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands speaking at a ceremony marking the arrival of the third tranche of vaccines, as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme gains the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. 

3rd insert: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis (right) speaking at a ceremony marking the arrival of the third tranche of vaccines, as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.  Pictured next to Prime Minister Minnis is the Hon. Renward Wells, Minister of Health.   

(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)