NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 03, 2021) – – 425 persons on Nevis have received their first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as at March 03, 2021.

Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Senior Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) said he is heartened by the number of persons who made the decision to get vaccinated against the virus within the first week of the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on the island.

“The early numbers are encouraging as we roll out our vaccination programme in Nevis. We urge our citizens and residents to go in to their closest health centre and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccination is the only proven way to return our island to some sense of normalcy,” he told the Department of Information on March 04, 2021.

Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, Junior Minister of Health in the NIA announced that as of Monday, March 01, all six health centres on Nevis had been allocated the COVID-19 vaccines.

“I am happy to report that we have now rolled out the vaccination process in all six health centres on Nevis…

“As we roll out the vaccination process I would want to say to each and every one that you can go to your respective health centre in your particular community, get registered and get ready to be vaccinated,” she said.

She also encouraged the younger members of the population to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“I am making an appeal to our young people age 18 and older, that it is very important that you get vaccinated. When you do so, you protect yourselves, your family, your community, and Nevis as a whole,” she said.

Dr. Judy Nisbett, Medical Officer of Health and Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force said nurses at the health centres are coping well with the number of persons coming in to be vaccinated.

“We have had a good uptake thus far since we started on February 25. On Wednesday, March 03 alone we had 211 persons getting vaccinated; 74 of those were done at one health centre.

“At one health centre a single nurse vaccinated 59 persons in one day.

“Most health centres have just one nurse, so while it is no longer necessary for individuals to call 311 to make an appointment, we are encouraging persons to call ahead at their nearest health centre so they can inform when is an ideal time for you to come in.

“Some health centres are vaccinating in the mornings, some in the afternoons, and some are able to vaccinate throughout the day,” she informed.

Dr. Nisbett noted that persons can call 311 to book a time slot to take the vaccines as a group, including businesses, churches and organisations.

She also encouraged them to call 311 to book educational sessions for groups so members can get accurate information about the vaccination process ahead of taking their first dose.

She said the Community Nursing Services has expressed its willingness to have nurses visit businesses with larger staffs to vaccinate employees. They will be starting with the staff at the Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC) on Monday, March 8.