By Latrishka Thomas latrishka.thomas@antiguaobserver.com “This is absolutely not Dr Simon’s Lane,” said Information Minister Melford Nicholas in response to…
Local testing is to begin soon for three COVID-19 variants of concern. That announcement has been made by Dr Lester Simon, who is head of the Laboratory at S
Government rolls out second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine
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Several frontline workers received their second vaccine dose yesterday. (Photos by Carlena Knight)
By Carlena Knight
Health officials who were among the first set of residents who stepped forward to take the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine in February, began receiving their second doses yesterday.
During a brief ceremony to mark the event Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas took the opportunity to thank the nurses for their role in the vaccination campaign as they continue to celebrate Nurses Week.
“Our nurses have been leading our vaccination programme in Antigua Barbuda successfully and they have been an integral part of the Covid-19 national vaccination programme. It is very fitting as well they are celebrating Nurses Week and I want to congratulate all of them and wish them a successful week,” Dr Sealey-Thomas said.
Rastafarian elder reaffirms stance against Covid-19 jab, despite appeal by PM Browne
Elder Ras Osagyefo of the Nyabinghi tribe reiterated their position yesterday on the issue of vaccines.
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Despite a public appeal from Prime Minister Gaston Browne for members of the Rastafarian community to be inoculated against Covid-19, members of the Nyabinghi tribe are adamant that they will not be taking the “white man’s vaccine”.
Speaking exclusively with Observer media yesterday, one of the elders of the tribe, Ras Osagyefo, was resolute in his stance that they will not be taking any vaccine.
While speaking during the handing over ceremony for Booby Alley homes on Monday, Browne appealed to Rastafarians to take the vaccine, adding that he had previous discussions with Osagyefo about the possibility of taking it.
Doctor says religion should not be grounds for vaccine exemption
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A noted medical practitioner believes that no one should be exempt from taking a Covid-19 vaccine, save for people who may have a medical reason.
In seeking to justify his stance, pathologist Dr Lester Simon, who was speaking during Sunday’s Big Issues programme, said individuals who are arguing that they will not be taking the Covid jab for religious or other reasons should not go unvaccinated because such individuals “can spread the virus like anyone else.”
The health care provider was asked that in the event the vaccine be made mandatory, who should be exempt from having to take it?