Even without an appointment, members of the public would be accommodated for the COVID-19 vaccinations at the Princes Town District Health Facility.
Health officials confirmed that they only began accommodating walk-ins yesterday. And while they are trying to vaccinate as many people as possible, they said this would depend on the time and the number of people.
Since the first phase of the vaccination roll-out began on Tuesday at public health facilities, people were being vaccinated via appointments only. At the Princes Town facility yesterday there were 65 appointments while 14 other people, mostly senior citizens, just walked in and requested to be inoculated.
Palymra resident Rufus Baptiste, 70, was one of them. He said he was not aware that they were giving the vaccination to people without appointments.
“Just to see if they will change their mind because I am 70 years and I believe people over 70 are more vulnerable to get infected with the virus so I come here today hoping that I will get immunised.”
Baptiste said when he arrived two attendants took his name.
“They called some names from inside the tent there and they told them all those who name they called will have to go back home and come another day.” His name was not called. Asked whether he was concerned about any side effects from the vaccine, he said, “No, you see I’m a strong and vibrant young, old man.”
Patrick Elliot, 60, said he came to the centre to get some medication. “Actually I came for some tablets and they pass through and they say I will take it one time- the vaccine.”
Encouraging other people to take the vaccine, he said, “Don’t be afraid. Feel brave and go for it. Don’t be afraid because you have nothing to lose really. People in other parts of the world took it and they just as fine.”
The country received 33,600 doses via the COVAX facility while another 40,000 doses are expected from India next Monday.