Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 22, 2021 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis implemented its vaccine rollout plan on Monday, February 22, 2021, at the Newtown Dental Clinic during a brief ceremony held as part of the Government’s National COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout and Awareness Campaign Launch.
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, who was one of the first persons to take the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine against the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) said that although a vaccine is available persons should not let their guard down as the virus is still active.
“We feel, and we should feel proud of the accomplishments to date and even as we rejoice at this significant watershed moment, the country at large must be reminded it is not over. It is not over until we achieve herd immunity; it is not over until our neighbours achieve herd immunity,” said Prime Minister Harris. Therefore, we must all continue to take the prescriptions given – the wearing of our masks, the hand hygiene, the physical and social distancing – we must take them to heart and abide by them even as we buildout.”
Prime Minister Harris encouraged others to get vaccinated.
“We want that everyone should come forward in his or her self-interest and be vaccinated. That way you save not only your life, but you make an effort to save that of your loved ones. So, I want to invite everyone,” he said, adding that the vaccine is being offered for free.
Other ministers of the Federal Cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Shawn Richards and the Minister of Health et al, the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett were among the more than 50 persons to take the COVID-19 vaccine today. Additionally, frontline workers, the Commissioner of Police, Hilroy Brandy, and members of the National COVID-19 Taskforce were also vaccinated.