Still undecided on whether or not to take the JAB?
If you are leaning towards taking the shot, Health Minister Kim Wilson warned that “time is running out”.
“Since January of this year,” she said: “We have about 230 first doses remaining until our next vaccine shipment.
“Time is running out!
“One dose of the vaccine will be of help for people who are not vaccinated at all. However, the best protection comes after two doses of the vaccine – two weeks after that second dose, to be precise.
“The challenge is that the Delta variant is so easily transmissible and it is so widespread now, that the longer you wait to make a decision about vaccinations, the more likely it is you will be exposed to the disease and will be unable to fight it.
“The UK has consistently supplied our vaccine needs, and the Bermuda Advisory Committee on Immunisations is meeting this week to make recommendations about boosters for those who are already fully vaccinated.
“Details around booster shots will be communicated in the future. At this time there is no need for persons who may wish to get a booster shot to register for the vaccine.”
Speaking at the technical briefing yesterday, the Minister added: “Bermuda, we understand the economic and emotional strain this pandemic and further restrictions is having, but this outbreak is spreading quickly in our community – in closed settings with mixed households, people not following the guidelines, getting out and about in the community with symptoms, and not adequately using personal protection equipment (PPE).
“These restrictions are necessary to protect our community. They are not designed to make people’s lives harder. We must strike a balance between protecting the Island and protecting our economy. I urge everyone to please be patient for the next couple of weeks, be extra vigilant and follow the regulations and guidelines.
“Whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, everyone in our community has an individual responsibility to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“If we do not follow public health guidelines and safety measures, our community spread will continue, hospitalisations will increase and sadly, we will see more COVID related deaths,” she said.
“Again, avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and close-contact settings like close-range conversations. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and use hand sanitiser when handwashing facilities are not available.
“Six feet must be maintained at all times, including during greetings, unless you are wearing a mask.”
As a reminder, the King Edward Memorial Hospital vaccine clinic is open for appointments and walk-ins, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm – 7pm, and Saturdays from 8am – 4pm.
