H1N1 vaccines for Trinidad
Published:Tuesday | November 10, 2009 | 6:25 PM
Trinidad and Tobago is expected to receive 70,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine later this month.
The vaccines valued at US$675,000 are expected to reach the twin island republic in time for its hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
However health authorities are warning that not everyone will be vaccinated.
Health Minister Jerry Narace says the first batch will be administered to health care workers, security officers and front line personnel at ports of entry.
On November 16, Trinidad and Tobago will be the first Caribbean country to receive 50,000 doses from the Pan American Health Organization following special negotiations.
A second batch of 20,000 doses has been purchased directly from the European pharmaceutical company Novartis and will be delivered on November 17.
Additional doses are expected in the weeks following.
Meanwhile the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association, Dr Solaiman Juman says while the vaccines are a welcomed move in light of the 215 confirmed H1N1 cases and five related deaths, the ministry needs to have a plan to deal with the likely chaos that can ensue.