#TheBahamas, August 17, 2021 – Top rated Pfizer vaccine has come to The Bahamas and it is courtesy of the United States of America.
“The Bahamas is one of the first to receive this generous donation from the United States in this grouping of Caribbean countries.
Over the coming months, The Bahamas is expected to receive a total of 397,000 doses donated by the United States Government. I thank the Government of the United States of America, CARICOM and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). I wish to especially thank President Joseph Biden and his Administration,” said Dr. Hubert Minnis, Bahamas Prime Minister on Thursday August 12, 2021.
The arrival of the coronavirus vaccines at the Lynden Pindling International Airport materialised just has New Providence and Grand Bahama went into tighter restrictions due to the surging cases of Covid-19.
The Bahamas saw cases and death toll swell exponentially over the past two months.
“The Bahamas now has the vaccines to meet the demand that exists. What we need now is Bahamians to come forward quickly to take the vaccines.
We need Bahamians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to save lives in this country. I say to the Bahamian people, you do not have time to wait any longer. You do not have time to keep thinking about it.
The hospitals are full to the limit. Sadly, some of our people are dying. Taking the shots could save your life. Not taking them could cost you your life. By coming forward quickly we can save lives, end the emergency phase of the pandemic, restore our economy and jobs, and have more openness.”
Usha Pitts, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires was thrilled to be able to bring this monumental assistance to The Bahamas.
“Welcome here to this wonderful day, when we are receiving the first batch of a delivery of nearly 400,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines to The Bahamas It’s a terrific day, what this really represents, it represents a way for us to break the back of this pandemic,” she beamed adding, “These vaccines will buttress the vaccines that are already in The Bahamas will provide enough for Bahamians to achieve herd immunity so we can finally get through this thing. So I am very proud to be he representative of the United States here today. This gift from the American people to The Bahamas is an enduring representation and symbol of our friendship,” said the Chargé d’Affaires who is stationed in Nassau, Bahamas.
The Prime Minister said the significant surge in vaccine doses to The Bahamas now requires help to administer the shots; he will join the medical team in delivering the jabs.
“A phased roll out of the Pfizer vaccine will begin as early as Monday the 16 of August. Each component of the administration of this vaccine that requires specific attention will be evaluated and monitored to ensure an efficient and successful rollout as we move to increase out capacity to administer the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine will be available to adults and children 12 to 17 years of age with the consent of a parent or guardian.”
Dr. Hubert Minnis said Bahamians can do something for their country; step forward to assist.