Two days after the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommended that people with weak immune systems should receive an additional shot of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is expected to meet next week to discuss these latest developments which could see the national vaccination policy being revised.
Making this disclosure as he responded to questions during the virtual media briefing hosted by the ministry yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram confirmed, “As it relates to Sinopharm and Sinovac, they are asking for what is considered a third dose but is not considered a booster, rather it is considered a primary dose. They are recommending that be given to persons over the age of 60.”
In addition, Parasram said recommendations has also been made for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to persons who are immuno-compromised such as those suffering with severe diabetes, renal failure, cancer, and other similar kinds of conditions which will be defined by SAGE later on.
He said, “T&T will wait on the World Health Organisation to put out an official release,” before meeting next to consider the recommendations and how it can be included in the national policy – given the vaccine stock available, equity of access and the population percentage so far vaccinated.