Nearly 5,000 get vaccinated in one day

A total of 4,930 individuals received COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, signalling an increase in the COVID-19 vaccination uptake countrywide.

Of that number, 4,329 individuals received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 601 individuals received their second dose.

These figures were provided by the Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony during his daily COVID-19 update.

He also said that there were 132 vaccination sites functioning across the country.

“We have seen a lot of persons who were reluctant, coming forward and getting the vaccines,” Dr. Anthony said.

The Health Minister also conceded that “a little bit more education” would help people understand the importance of getting vaccinated.

Vaccines are not mandatory, but the newly gazetted COVID-19 measures prevent unvaccinated persons from accessing certain facilities and services.

Unvaccinated persons are no longer allowed into ministries and government agencies except by appointment, while those vaccinated are urged to walk with their vaccination cards at all times.

Overall, the Minister related that the local health authorities have been able to administer 275,451 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines; this amounts to approximately 56.6 per cent of the targeted adult population.

Additionally, some 145,566 people, or 29.9 per cent of the adult population, have received both their first and second doses.