Prime Minister, Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, led by example on Friday when he received the first Covid-19 vaccine administered in Grenada.
Dr Mitchell received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine as Grenada rolled out its Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.
6,000 doses of the vaccine are already on island, and the Ministry of Health has confirmed the existence of a plan which includes an order of priority that begins with frontline workers.
Prior to receiving the vaccine, Dr Mitchell cited the vaccination programme as a critical step in the fight against Covid-19 and expressed full confidence in the vaccine.
He said, “I know some people are concerned and understandably so, everything new, particularly when it deals with one’s health, we have to be cautious. There have been all sorts of rumours, some of it with no foundation. However, we will not be advising our people to take this path if we felt there were any major safety issues involved.”
Dr Mitchell said the pandemic has created difficult circumstances for many workers, some of whom have been without jobs for almost one year.
The Prime Minister added, “If we achieve success in vaccinating our population, it will put us well on the way to solving the fundamental economic and other problems that we face. We will continue reinforcing that this is a first step in dealing with the problem. There is no way life will return to what it used to be, and there is no way people would invest serious resources and bring people back into the workforce, unless we feel certain that we are able to intermingle safely. This is a significant step in going forward and I thank the collective team of frontline workers and all who have been at the forefront of this fight.”
Health Minister, Hon. Nickolas Steele, who was also vaccinated on Friday, extended gratitude to the Prime Ministers of Barbados and Dominica for their coordinating roles in ensuring that Grenada received early shipments of the vaccine. He said, “We are one Caribbean, we are all in this together. I look forward to all of our frontline team being vaccinated so that they can continue the work of protecting the rest of the population and to ensure that all who are eligible, get vaccinated.”
Minister Steele acknowledged the anxiety expressed by some people. He said, “I look forward to those individuals getting past their anxiety because 138-million people have been vaccinated for Covid-19 and less than maybe 100 individuals have had any sort of reaction from this vaccine. If you compare the odds, it is essential that we equip ourselves and give our bodies the weapon to fight off Covid-19, so that we could go back to life as normal. That will be possible when at least 60 to 70% of our population is vaccinated.”
Other Government Ministers and several frontline workers also received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Friday. The second dose will be administered in 6 weeks.
GIS
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Astra Zeneca vaccines are for people under the age of 65. It is not effective for people over the age of 65. Ask Germany chancellor Angela Merkel…She refused to take it because of her age.
The right honorable and Prime Minister have taken the vaccine to act as role models to assure the population the vaccine is safe and not to follow the myths around the vaccine
I also noted medical staff administering the vaccine was not wearing PPE, this should not be allowed they should remember the benefits of wearing PPE is to protect themselves, the team and people they are giving the vaccine also its looks very unprofessional this should be put forward to the head of nursing for not wearing proper PPE
I wish Grenada all the best in success of the vaccine roll out
It is very sad to see that some people take the issue of vaccination to express their political views and obvious frustration. It seems we are drifting in the same direction as Trump and Biden did, by wearing masks or not. We should not focus on political statements where our health is concerned. By the way, it is perfectly normal that members of government receive the vaccination first. Their is enough rumors and false information outside already. Our leaders have to set an example by getting the vaccination and we should follow no matter which party we favor.
Nikki mentioned that we need 60-70% of the population to get vaccinated before we can get back to normal, but as far as I am aware there is only enough scheduled for Grenada through COVAX to vaccinate less the 20% of the people.
Where is the rest going to come from??
The Right Honourable gentleman is not a frontline worker. And he is far from a hero. So why is he amoung the first to receive the vaccine? Has he no shame? There are many Grenadians at much higher risk of death from covid than he, yet they are not on the list to be vaccinated.
It’s high time to discard all Honourable references to said scoundrel to the dustbin of history.
Having the PM and Minister of health take the vaccine is a way of setting the example and increasing confidence among the population when there is currently lots of misinformation related to the vaccine. I think people come on here and comment just to comment. I am sure if the PM and Minister of Health refused to take the vaccine, you will be the first on here to disparage them.
I agree. Leaders who support the vaccination process need to step up and show that leadership . Especially with the uncertainty/hesitancy of many not to vaccinate. They need to lead by example.
This is a good first step in getting this coronavirus behind us.
What I am rather shocked; in looking at these two photos – vaccination of PM Mitchell and the other of Nick Steele -:: BOTH OF THE NURSES OR SUPPOSED MEDICAL STAFF HAVE NO MEDICAL GLOVES ON. THAT IS A DANGEROUS LACK OF MEDICAL STANDARDS AND IN THIS PANDEMIC; Just Alarming !!!!!
The other point, per WHO Advisory; it is one thing the Prime Minister receiving the Vaccine – as senior citizen. As to why Nick Steele getting ahead of the line ahead of vulnerable older citizens and medical staff etc. is simply wrong.
It is ongoing nepotism & favoritism; leads us to wonder how many vaccines were redirected on sly for these Inner Circle Families.
I agree. Not good practice that the people applying the vaccine are not wearing gloves. This is also being viewed worldwide.
NOW GRENADA PLEASE STOP REMOVING MY COMMENTS! I want people to know that the vaccines are suppose to be used to protect people from catching the corona virus and it is not suppose to be used as a treatment towards the virus.
People must be vaccinated before they can catch the virus because in order to protect ourselves from the virus we will need to take the vaccine so that we can be immune to it.
I would like to say that the Hon, Keith Claudius Mitchell is one very brave and very good prime minister and leader. he is the one that shows us what keeping your word and good leadership really is.
Well done prime minister. Great way to lead this country in the right way. leaders do come first then the people! Also remember that the vaccination should not be given to those who have the virus! REMEMBER THAT THE VACCINE’S PURPOSE IS TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM GETTING COVID 19 AND NOT HEALING THEM FROM THE VIRUS. PEOPLE DO HAVE VERY MAJOR MISCONSEPTIONS THAT ARE NOT RIGHT!
We must take the vaccine to prevent ourselves from catching the Corona Virus so that we do not become infected by it what so ever. so please we must take the vaccine now to survive the pandemic.
Very good but let’s move on!
Only SEVERAL healthcare workers get vaccinated first!!! What garbage is this. There should have been a plan in place for as many healthcare workers to be vaccinated IMMEDIATELY not politicians. Where is the transparency of the order of vaccination?? This is a public right. Selfish government again shows they care little for the general population. Yiu could have had hundreds vaccinated the first day.
No you are wrong! Leaders come first before people. I don’t know what kind of nonsense you people are talking. obviously health care workers then come after to take the vaccine. People wanted the Prime Minister to take it first! That is how it is suppose to be done! Any time there are vaccinations leaders will take it first to set an example as to what is suppose to be done. Many Grenadians wanted him to take the vaccine first!
Simple! Wealthy people living in Grenada travell abroad to receive treatment, and so our hard working front line workers and their families simply does not matter! PITY!