Key points and live updates from the February 4, 2021 COVID management press conference featuring Major David Clarke of the Barbados Defence Force; Dr Omar Edwards, Medical Officer of Health at the Winston Scott Polyclinic; Senior Sister Juleyette Serrano of the Branford Taitt Polyclinic and Rev Dr Kirtley Yearwood of Holy Cross Health in Washington DC.
Dr Omar Edwards
- We intend to deliver an educational programme on the science of vaccines.
- Vaccines are safe – one of the foremost measures that save lives.
- Training has started for medical and nursing practitioners.
- This is not a public sector only approach.
- Training gives a background of concerns about variants.
- Training will include management of the entire process.
- Allergies can be a concern.
- A medical evaluation of people with allergies will be undertaken.
- We want to know if the allergy is any component of the vaccine.
- Once we are certain that is not the case, we will proceed with the individual in a clinical setting.
- The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain blood products.
- This vaccine looks at generic material which will form the basis of the immune response.
- All the vaccines are relatively safe.
- The AstraZeneca vaccine had seen a low incidence of severe allergic reactions.
- All the COVID-19 vaccines have produced an efficacy rate of more than 60 per cent.
- People receiving the complete course of vaccinations will be offered a measure of protection against severe disease should they contract COVID-19.
- We should do some sampling for anti-bodies once we have administered the course of the vaccine.
- We want to see how our population reacts to it.
Senior Sister Juleyette Serrano
- We are preparing for the vaccine.
- We have public health nurses, staff nurses and retired health public nurses on board.
- Doctors have also volunteered to assist with the roll-out of the vaccine.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is safe
- After the vaccine is taken, you will remain with us for at least 15 minutes.
- During that time you will be monitored by a trained professional.
Rev Dr Kirtley Yearwood
- I had both jabs of the vaccine – on December 23 and January 11.
- I’ve had absolutely no side effects.
- After my first dosage, my left arm felt a little bit heavy for half-hour or so.
- I can testify to the importance of receiving the vaccine.
- The vaccine is already beginning to have an impact in Maryland, United States.
- The number of deaths have started to come down since we ramped up the vaccine.
- People are not as sick as they receive vaccines.
- We are making good progress.
- I would urge all Barbadians to take the vaccine.
