The Ministry of Health in Anguilla is turning its attention to vaccinate schoolchildren in the age range of 12-17 years against COVID-19, and its various strains, as part of its efforts to protect the health of the island’s population.
In order to do this effectively, the Ministry has introduced a registration of interest to be undertaken by parents and guardians.
The Ministry has issued the following statement:
“Since February 5th 2021, Anguilla has introduced the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine into its national immunisation programme. The AstraZeneca vaccine has only been authorised for persons 18 years and older. However, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have [now] been authorised for persons ages 12-17.
“The Ministry of Health is currently seeking to explore procurement of vaccines to protect persons within the stated age group, and you can help by answering the following questions. This registration should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.”
The parents/guardians are being asked whether they are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for their children; whether they strongly disagree or strongly agree; prefer the vaccine to be given at mass gatherings of children – at the Public Health Centres or at the schools or other places.
The registration process follows an announcement by the Premier and Minister of Health and Finance, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, that efforts are being made to secure the Pfizer vaccine from the UK Government.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has arranged for all students to remain at home for two weeks when schools reopen on September 6. During that time the children will undergo online learning rather than the more desirable face to face classroom instruction.
