Dominica to receive 70,000 doses of COVID vaccine on Tuesday

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has announced that Dominica will receive 70,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as early as tomorrow (Tuesday 9th February).

He made the announcement during a press conference held on Monday.

Just last month, following a virtual CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, the Prime Minister said his government was confident that the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to Dominica by the end of March this year.

However, he said this has been fast tracked allowing the country to receive the vaccines early and quickly.

The prime minister said that his government has also been working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to source vaccines for Dominica.

 “The Government of India has made a grant donation of 70,000 doses [of the Covid-19 vaccine]; that would be for 35,000 people because there will be double doses,” he stated. “We expect the vaccines to land in Dominica tomorrow, Tuesday and it will be left to the Ministry of Health.”

According to Skerrit, the Ministry of Health has been fine-tuning their vaccination plan to start sharing with the public but he stressed that the vaccine will be a voluntary offering and is not mandatory.s

“Those who wish to take it will avail themselves to the health authorities,” he stated, reiterating, “I will certainly avail myself to be vaccinated.”

Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Laura Esprit, believes that there is a need to introduce this new vaccine to Dominica, and pointed out that vaccination is a safe and protective way to prevent disease and it saves lives.

“When we get vaccinated, we are not just protecting ourselves, but also those around us, reducing the spread of the disease,” she said, adding, “the Covid-19 vaccine is expected to help your immune system to identify and fight the virus.”

Dr. Esprit indicated that in the first instance, 26 percent will be targeted, referred to as the priority group, “totaling a little more than 18,000 persons.”

“The selection of this priority grouping for the first phase of the roll-out is being guided by recommendations made from PAHO, WHO [World Health Organization] advisory groups in addition to the in-country Covid-19 profile or national priorities and of course, other disease profile on island,” Dr. Esprit explained.

She said there are not enough doses of Covid-19 vaccines for the entire population across the countries, therefore vaccines may be introduced in phases.

As it relates to priority groups, Dr. Esprit revealed that frontline healthcare workers will be the first to receive the vaccine.

“That will include doctors, nurses, domestic work, environmental health officers, ward aides, health aides, pharmacists among others,” which, according to her, amounts to approximately 1000.

“Other frontline workers include the police, customs and immigration, fire and ambulance personnel, amounting to a little over 600,” Dr. Esprit revealed.

She continued, “Persons with chronic diseases. This will include those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancers, respiratory conditions…that would be over 7500” and with the inclusion of those over the age of 65 years, primarily the elderly population, Dr. Esprit added, “that will be approximately 8,900 persons.”

“And of course, we have government officials which will include cabinet members, ambassadors, the President, parliamentary secretaries and other persons within that group which will amount to approximately 100,” she said.

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47 Comments

  1. Viewsexpressed
    February 11, 2021

    Roland, good morning. I compliment and appreciate your efforts in sharing this information and thoughts of you.
    Skerrit is not visionary nor is he focus on the concept and preparedness of Socioeconomic development.
    Look at our Dominica’, go drive around the villages, look at the state of our Roseau City, look how our Village Councils appears to be defunct without the professional support that will develop the village, city and urban councils to feel that they are developing their respective areas. We hope that our Suffering people will not attempt to go to Roseau at government Head Quarters to qué up in this Insulting, Bobolistic Red clinic just to attain popularity and gain favour that “these people MUST people must vote for this failed incompetent, Immature so called Prime Odd Minister. This is what it is
    Skerrit is not visionary nor is he knowledgeable of the thoughts and process of Socioeconomic development. We need a change in government and Skerrit and Labour government…

  2. Shashi Bhushan
    February 11, 2021

    COVAXIN Made in india
    The two doses are given four weeks apart. The vaccine can be stored at 2C to 8C.

    Bharat Biotech says it has a stockpile of 20 million doses of Covaxin, and is aiming to make 700 million doses out of its four facilities in two cities by the end of the year.
    2- COVISHIELD
    What about Covishield?
    The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is being manufactured locally by the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. It says it is producing more than 50 million doses a month.

    The vaccine, which is known as Covishield, is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (known as an adenovirus) from chimpanzees. It has been modified to look more like coronavirus – although it can’t cause illness.

  3. Shashi Bhushan
    February 11, 2021

    Sir, India is world,s largest manufacturer of vaccines, you name it and India is manufacturing, infact India is world,s pharmaceutical factory.Less than a week after launching the world’s largest inoculation drive, India has shipped tens of thousands of free doses of Covid-19 vaccines to neighbouring countries in what is being widely described as “vaccine diplomacy”.

    India’s drug regulator has given the green light to Covishield (the local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine developed in the UK) and Covaxin, locally-made by pharma company Bharat Biotech.

    India is a vaccine powerhouse: it makes 60% of the world’s vaccines and is home to half a dozen major manufacturers.
    Dont raise doubts about made in india vaccine, a country of 1.3 billion people has completely controlled covid 19. and Now India is helping other nations
    India has 2 vaccines
    1-COVACCINE
    How does Covaxin work?
    The homegrown government-backed vaccine has been developed by Bharat Biotech, a…

    • Dr. QuackQuack
      February 12, 2021

      Yeah, just go on the internet and you can even buy prescription drugs under the counter from India. Most of these drugs are either no good or not safe to use on humans. China and India drugs i would never buy let alone use them on me or members of my family.

  4. click here
    February 10, 2021

    Does it cure the disease? no not 100%
    Does it prevent the spread of the disease? no
    Will i have to stop social distancing once i take the vaccine? no
    Will i still have to wear a mask after i take the vaccine? yes
    Can i get COVID after take the vaccine? Yes you can,

    So is this really a vaccine?

  5. Lin clown
    February 10, 2021

    UWP and their NONSENSICAL supporters,do not know what is happening in Dominica.These people are buried in BS up to their eyebrows,listening to Q95.Listening to a MOLAR TEETH.On the 9/2/21 this TEETH talking about $ 2.2 billion,he does not refere to sec 76 and 77 to 83 on page 69 of the constitution of Dominica.LIARS.

    • Viewsexpressed
      February 16, 2021

      Madam Lin Clown it’s just not our fault if you feel that YOU are most blind loyalists and person not to know what’s happening in our Dominica. Madam Lin, go ask your failed incompetent Skerrit where the hell is our States finances. We desperately call for an audit that includes our taxes, contributions etc.
      Madam Lin Clown knows absolutely nothing of substance relating to the development of our people and Dominica’. Go tell your failef Skerrt to please account and report to us the people for our States money and how and where and to whom who benefits from it and how it has been distributed? Madam clown 🤡 Dominica and it’s suffering people comes first.
      We desperately need experienced, trusted committed and competent people to manage our States money. This Red Clinic fanfare is a big fake and a fanfare.
      We need soon to get Skerrit and his faiied Incompetent Labour Party out of our government. Our suffering, unemployed people needs decency in our Government. The UWP Hon Lennox…

  6. The Calabash
    February 9, 2021

    Come on guys. Don’t be ignorant. India has an internationally recognize vaccine industry, with perhaps the greatest capacity. They are producing the Oxford vaccine. We should celebrate the potential of total Dominican immunity by summer.

  7. Doh take it
    February 9, 2021

    Jim Jones Kool Aid is coming soon. Drink without asking any questions and you will Rest In Peace (RIP).

  8. Luca Spark
    February 9, 2021

    (CNN) It’s the news the many feared: early data shows the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine may provide only “minimal protection” against mild to moderate illness caused by the coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa.

  9. Ibo France
    February 9, 2021

    This is a One Man Government. The other cabinet ministers are just ornaments that decorate Mr. Skerrit’s super-size ego. Not even the Minister of HEALTH is given the opportunity to pronounce on the vaccine that comes under his purview.

    *New bridge – Skerrit bloviates
    *Vaccines – Skerrit hogs the attention
    *Int’l airport – Skerrit sucks up all the oxygen
    *Electoral reforms – Skerrit circumvents the electoral commission
    *DLP candidates – Skerrit personally handpicks them, no convention

    CONCLUSION: Skerrit is a megalomaniac who is intoxicatingly obsessed with power.

  10. Ham and Turkey
    February 9, 2021

    The vaccine might be good but…can I trust anything Skerrit says or what he has his hands on? The man is very corrupt and can’t be trusted at all so for me to take his prescription or, inject anything he is pushing for is to me very worrying. He says the vaccine is from India; but let’s not forget that’s the same India that he did what he had to do to bestow that fake doctorate in him. So why should I trust him with his India vaccine? What if the said vaccine was from the same China that gave both to covid-19 and he and India worked some corrupt magic? Look, if the tree is poisonous, so too are the fruits and therefore I would be a fool to accept anything Skerrit has or says. I don’t want his dirty money, I don’t want his turkey and ham and I sure don’t want his vaccine t

  11. Ibo France
    February 9, 2021

    I have read up about the Pfizer, Modena and the Astra Zeneca vaccines. The South African government has rejected the Astra Zeneca vaccine as it is not efficacious against the COVID-19 variant/strain found in their country.

    Why does Dr.² Skerrit have to regard the vaccine that he has purportedly procured for Dominicans as a Top State’s Secret?

    TRANSPARENCY is the fulcrum of any DEMOCRACY. Mr. Skerrit has failed to come clean with the nation on the CBI program, no bid public contracts, electoral reforms, how exactly the airport fund was completely depleted of hundreds of millions to just a few cents and other national scandals. He keeps on giving people reasons not to trust him.

    This man should be treated like the pariah he is.

  12. Lin clown
    February 9, 2021

    If UWP fools were not BURRIED up to your eyebrows in Q95 s… you would know what type, of Vaccine.Who cares whether you take vaccine or not.

    • Toto
      February 10, 2021

      Lin my boy if your PM was transparent he would have said what vaccine we getting in the first place but he did not so people have a right to ask, DLP, UWP and those without P, all the people.

    • click here
      February 10, 2021

      Lin Clown what kind of Vaccine is it? do you know? Apart from it coming from India what else do you really know about it? What is the active ingredient? Tell us. Because kairi never speaks facts, unless its the news they are reading.

      • Viewsexpressed
        February 13, 2021

        Lin Clown knows absolutely nothing and is basically blind of what’s going on within her territory. It’s this failed incompetent Labour government has her blindly puzzled of the state of our government and Dominica.
        Madam, go drive around the villages of Our Nature Isle and try much to note and comprehend what you see, in particular the lives and poor housing situation of our village people. Madam, open your mind and thoughts and read and research what is poverty and corruption. We work in the villages and we see daily the poverty of our people and it seems that this Labour failed Leadership government is dumb and a big Pappyshow.
        The Leader of Opposition (UWP) has a formidable decent trusted committed Team focussed on the Development of our people and our country. Whereas Skerrit and this failed incompetent Questionable Labour government is a big failure and has reduced our struggling people and farmers from agriculture to the devious, dubious Red Clinic. This is shameful…

  13. Vaccinate?
    February 9, 2021

    Well before anyone chook with that vaccine, I need to know the name, the side effects (if any) and exactly what it will do for me. If not, thanks but no thanks, I will not be taking it.

    And for me to believe the PM, I will have to see with my own eyes he taking exactly what India sent.

  14. Hospitality
    February 9, 2021

    And the hospitality workers? they are at this moment the ones who are in close contact with guests from high risk countries during their quarantine???

  15. EXSLAVE
    February 9, 2021

    seeing we have no death we should delay vaccination until 2023
    lets not have a 3rd 911
    we can remember Maria
    Amalek waging war on Jacob

    • Toto
      February 10, 2021

      Put your death on hold till 2023 also then? Man, if We follow you no one should take penicillin either. You serious?

  16. Roland Mitchell
    February 9, 2021

    Well, I never thought that I would be writing to congratulate Mr Skerrit on getting 70,000 doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine for Dominica – before some parts of he European Union- Germany, France , Spain, Italy- to name a few.

    The boy done good. Bein Fait- Monsieur Skerrit.
    You see, if you do something good, we will applaud you- just as much as if you do something bad. There is complete impartiality in my comments-and by the way I am a labour party supporter, as well!

    Now you must refer to my previous comments, and stop this Airport plan. Fix Melville Hall- airport. Lengthen it near the sea by another 300 Meters. Put lights for night landing. Get hydro power from the river near by, but do not squander our money.
    We need factories in Dominica to process agricultural goods: Remember Domfruit Juice, – Get it back from “Money God”. Get DBGA back, be self-sufficient in chicken, beef, eggs, milk, potatoes. Make more use of indigenous wood- furniture, beds, houses- of Carapit and…

    • Imputing Improper Motives (IIM)
      February 9, 2021

      Man did you have to say you are a Labour party supporter and impartial in the same sentence? It was so obvious that to have mentioned it is like running over someone and then reversing on the individual again, and then you went and end with a last paragraph which is not really reflective of a supporter.

      Bro just tell the truth, you are not happy about the missing Billion Dollars considering the state of joblessness in the country, but you do not know how to come out and say it, so you give some positive advice, so they doh go after you like de Westley man and his plantains. Wonderful political meandering Mr. Mitchell, just beautiful.

      Getting the vaccine is his job as leader of the country, distributing them is the real maybe red story. Hope the other Dominicans are not treated like the Palestinians living in Israel.

    • The Calabash
      February 9, 2021

      I am with you Roland. First, props to the PM. Secondly, you are speaking my language on the path to growth and happiness. I call it ‘back to the future’ .

    • Really?
      February 10, 2021

      You make absolutely no sense. You never thought you would congratulate the PM, yet you are a labourite? Is that not all you all do?

      Gimme a freaking break. Best you ask the admin to delete that part of your comment.

    • Viewsexpressed
      February 10, 2021

      Conflict of interest…..”Congratulate Skerrit…. for what…?” Our nature Isle isinna mess and Skerrit keeps begging from outside, in the meantime our Dominica’ and our pet are in s state of poverty, begging, witnessed Bobol deceitful on a daily basis and its pretty obvious and well known that Skerrit is a failure. He’s not and never has been this Prime Minister to plot the journey of Our DOMINICA towards meaningful development that prepares our people to be prepared to elevate our people and our Dominica to a higher standard of development where our people are able to meaningfully plot the Development big our nature Isle and that of our struggling families and farmers and our youth who are willing and prepared to move higher in education where we will be prepared one day to govern our poor Struggling Dominica when we get failed Skerrit out of our government and his questionable failed Labour government. We need decent, committed, professional people to manage & Develop our…

    • Viewsexpressed
      February 11, 2021

      Lol..lol..this Lin is a real clown and usually nothing said of comfort to engage the public readers to attempt to comprehend and understand the bigger picture.
      Tell us Madam Lin, what the Hell does this message mean? What are you trying to tell us?
      How on earth have you comprehend that the UWP are fools? Did you pick this weird thought and behaviour from your politically Incompetent camp. Try please to pen matters of substance that will elevate your thoughts and that of others to learn from you to enable us to welcome your thoughts.
      If you wish to be critical of the failure and ineptitude of the Political Parties be open minded and transparent and stop giving illiterate dumbfounded stupidity thoughts. Review your thoughts first, do your research and we’ll be able to comprehend that picture that you wish to share with us. We encourage you to comment on the ongoing Bobol deceitful Labour Red Clinic abuse which we as Civil Service do not Condone. Skerrit is a big failure…

    • Viewsexpressed
      February 11, 2021

      Roland, good morning. I compliment and appreciate your efforts in sharing this information and thoughts of you.
      Skerrit is not visionary nor is he focus on the concept and preparedness of Socioeconomic development.
      Look at our Dominica’, go drive around the villages, look at the state of our Roseau City, look how our Village Councils appears to be defunct without the professional support that will develop the village, city and urban councils to feel that they are developing their respective areas. We hope that our Suffering people will not attempt to go to Roseau at government Head Quarters to qué up in this Insulting, Bobolistic Red clinic just to attain popularity and gain favour that “these people MUST people must vote for this failed incompetent, Immature so called Prime Odd Minister. This is what it is
      Skerrit is not visionary nor is he knowledgeable of the thoughts and process of Socioeconomic development. We need a change in government and Skerrit and Labour government…

  17. Obscurity
    February 9, 2021

    Skerrit, which vaccine are you expecting? Why are you making long speeches with very little substance? The citizens of this country want to know which vaccine. Since you do not come out with this info, I can safely assume that it will not be any of the US, German or UK vaccines. That doesn’t leave many options. Probably the Chinese one smuggled into DA via India!!! Not in my arm uncle Roosevelt but feel free to put it in yours, Gucci’s and all the other members of the cabal.

  18. February 9, 2021

    Those who get vaccinated should be closely monitored afterwards. I have been hearing of covid outbreaks among virus free communities shortly after vaccinations were given.

    • Man bites dogs
      February 9, 2021

      @Colin, you dam lie I don’t know how DNO can find time to publish all those nonsense and lies.

      • Viewsexpressed
        February 11, 2021

        Man Bites Dogs….tell us why you are this well known “Liar?”. Go clean your house 🏠 and backyard first before you point your disgusting political views on people who are well versed and knowledgeable and experienced the obvious failure and incompetence of this Visionless Prime Minister.
        Skerrit we have noticed and said is not Developmentally focus nor understands the processes of Socioeconomic development and has abandoned our Local Government Councils struggling to elevate their respective Local Government Authorities. Skerrit get rid of this Bobolistic Red devious Clinic and get our people in jobs. If you’re unable to do so, then get the hell out of our government, and make way for those who are more credible, focus on Development and ably supported in elevating our suffering people and country
        We welcome the trusted, distinguished United Workers Party (UWP) under the trusted competent professional Hon. Lennox Linton and his trusted formidable UWP Team.
        Skerrit. Go to Hell…

      • Viewsexpressed
        February 11, 2021

        Ridiculous thoughts of this Clown..Man Bites Dogs. Yak, how disgusting. I wonder why DNO accommodating you with your visionless, Nonsensical thoughts. Do you research and read and comprehend well before you pen and write ridiculous thoughts on DNO? Try reading the in picture before you comment blindly just to appease your failed incompetent Skerrit and this Failed incompetent Labour Party Government.
        Skerrit and Labour government must get the Hell out of our government.
        We really wonder why and how DNO waste previous time in accommodating your Nonsensical ridiculous thoughts.
        We welcome our Decent, professional visionary Leader of the UWP, Hon Lennox Linton and his trusted competent professional trustworthy reliable UWP Team
        God Bless 🙏 us All.
        Our people and our Dominica needs that change. Failed Incompetent Skerrit and his failed Labour Immature visionless Labour Party must get the hell out of our government and our people.
        Apres Bondie CE Later.
        DOMINICANS, please wake…

  19. February 8, 2021

    India vaccine spreading like hot bread around the world mainly to 3rd world countries. Please my people this is a judgement thing. I know everybody wants to go to heaven but no body wants to die. Be careful of your judgement and let no one judge for you. The India and China vaccine!!!!……Only god knows. Only God Knows.

  20. Michael
    February 8, 2021

    DNO, which vaccine is it? Pfizer? AstraZeneca/Oxford?

    ADMIN: It is the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

  21. Pipo
    February 8, 2021

    Mr. Skerrit did not say which vaccine we will receive but I believe it to be the Astra Zeneca one because that is what is produced in India. It is also easier to store at normal fridge temperature. Let me say that I am grateful to our international friends, in particular India considering they are in need themselves to treat their own people.

  22. Zandoli
    February 8, 2021

    Which of the Indian vaccines is being administered?
    Why hasn’t the government published the results of the phase 3 trial?
    If they want to inspire confidence in this vaccine, they need to be transparent.
    This is not a press release, so I am not sure why DNO did not get that information before publishing this piece.

    ADMIN: The name of the vaccine is Covishield which is the local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca developed in the UK.
    The authorities claimed at the press conference that a comprehensive educational program will be rolled out in subsequent days.
    The results of the phase three trial weren’t directly discussed in the press briefing but an article on the results of the phase 3 trial can be found here: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/12/phase-3-trials-show-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-has-90-efficacy

    Our coverage on this topic will continue as we seek to address these and other questions.

  23. February 8, 2021

    many vaccine out now which 1 we getting…please let us know

  24. REAL!!!!!
    February 8, 2021

    Where is Minister of Health Dr. Irving McIntyre….This incapable one man show is killing this country.
    Now that your announce it please go on GIS and show us that you are the first to take the vaccine from the India batch and let DR.IP administer it…….COWARD!!!!!

    SMDH!!!!!

    • Roland Mitchell
      February 10, 2021

      Stop making Jokes.

      This Virus is Killing many people where I live in Medway in Kent-UK.

      A nurse from Dominica has died recently.

      Be wise and take the Jab like a man, Save your family and friends.

  25. BobD
    February 8, 2021

    The Prime minister is presently in a Dammed if you do, Dammed if you don’t moment, why the rush? is Dominica in dire need? this is the time to walk very diligently, and not be mis-led, we are talking bout vaccines that have not been proven. Pressure does “buss” pipe , We all know what happens after.

  26. Bwa-Banday
    February 8, 2021

    “The Government of India has made a grant donation of 70,000 doses [of the Covid-19 vaccine]; that would be for 35,000 people because there will be double doses,” he stated.

    Mr. PM which of of vaccine is it? Is it Pfizer, Moderna? Spotnik-Russian? CinoVac- China? Or is it India made and tested? Please sir explain thyself so the population can made prudent decisions. Yes India is “sponsoring” and we are grateful but what the secrecy? I smell a BIG rat as to where the vaccine is coming from and who is the developer. Please sir, we do not want to be treated as guinea pigs because we are beggars. Yes, we agree we are beggars because you have made us so but don’t want to be taken advantage of sir. I await a speedy response :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

    • Raj
      February 10, 2021

      It is Astra Zeneca vaccine developed in the UK and produced in India, where India is the largest producer and distributor of all kind of vaccines in the world.
      This vaccine is already tested in UK and India with 90%+ positive results , and the government of India want to grand the first batches of vaccine to its friendly counties.

    • Roland Mitchell
      February 10, 2021

      This is the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine, First Class British Technology from arguably the best University in the world.

      Take it- and be humble. God has inspired these scientists to cure us.

  27. Leslie
    February 8, 2021

    Where is the Health Minister? Skerrit has to be present in everything- the bridge in the south , this one – I am tired of this guy- he neve saw a camera or microphone he disliked— He behaves like a bad and unruly little kid.

    • Viewsexpressed
      February 11, 2021

      Leslie, thanks. We are all aware of this!
      With immediate effect, we need to see and hear of the Minister of Health. This is his professional job and we highly respect him, but we need to hear as see him frequently and not Skerrit’s Nonsensical tone of irrelevant matters.
      We need Decent mature knowlegeable trusted committed Transparent Government in our Government. We are fed up of this failed Labour government and its incompetent Skerrit and ministers.
      We desperately need a visionary committed Professional dedicated Team, the United Workers Party (UWP). A trusted disciplined Political Party under a committed, trusted Focus Leader. We welcome Hon. Lennox Linton and our trusted competent professional trustworthy reliable UWP Team.
      Skerrit has failed us. Too much Nonsensical behaviour and thoughts on this failed incompetent Questionable Labour government.
      We welcome our UWP Team.

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