Vaccine distribution to temporarily pause from July 8-14 for Independence Holiday
National vaccine committee “encouraged” by vaccine uptake on Family Islands
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As of July 2, 2021, 95,992, doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in The Bahamas, according to a statement from the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee.
The statement noted that 59,731 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 36,261 people have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine.
The strategy of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee is to distribute all approved vaccines received as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible to all Bahamians and residents throughout The Bahamas who wish to receive the vaccine.
On New Providence, a total of 69,642 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, and on Grand Bahama, 13,737 doses.
Both doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been successfully rolled out throughout the Family Islands. The committee said it is encouraged by the uptake of the vaccine on the Family Islands. A total of 12,613 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the Family Islands to date.
Among those eligible to receive a second dose of the vaccine, 86.1 percent of individuals who have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine have presented to receive their second dose, across The Bahamas.
As a group, 91.2 percent of individuals who have received their first dose in the Family Islands have returned for their second dose. On Nassau, 85.5 percent have returned for their second dose, and on Grand Bahama, 84.5. percent.
Vaccines are distributed in The Bahamas once they meet emergency use approval by the World Health Organization (WHO); the country must also be able to secure the prescribed storage facilities, with the recommended transport and administrative measures, inclusive of management of waste.
The following is the total number of vaccines received by The Bahamas so far:
- 20,000 AstraZeneca vaccines donated by the government of India on March 10, 2021;
- 33,600 AstraZeneca vaccines pre-paid through the COVAX Facility, received on March 30, 2021;
- 33,600 AstraZeneca vaccines pre-paid through the COVAX Facility, received on May 11, 2021; and
- 5,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through an exchange with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, received on June 24, 2021.
The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be administered for as long as possible until additional supplies of vaccines are received, the committee said.
A third tranche of 33,600 AstraZeneca vaccines, also prepaid through the COVAX facility, is expected to be received before the end of July.
The Bahamas has been informed that it will receive this third tranche on July 26, 2021.
The Bahamas has also received an offer from the United States, through the CARICOM health agency CARPHA, for additional COVID-19 vaccines. This process is underway; however, The Bahamas has not yet received a specific timeline for delivery.
This week, vaccines will be administered at Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road on New Providence and at the Susan J Wallace Community Centre on Grand Bahama through Wednesday, July 7.
Vaccinations will pause on Thursday, July 8, for the Independence Holiday and resume the following week, starting Wednesday, July 14, 2021.
The committee said further updates on vaccine distribution and deliveries will be issued on an ongoing basis.
