COVID-19 remains a public health concern as Saint Lucia continues to record a significant number of new cases. Variants and sub-variants continue to affect all population groups globally.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs remains committed to ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are available and accessible to all eligible populations.

Over the last two weeks, Saint Lucia received 7800 doses of Pediatric Pfizer – 3000 doses from the Government of Spain as a generous donation; and an additional 4800 doses, through the COVAX facility. The Government of Saint Lucia is ever-grateful to its partners for their generous donations of life-saving vaccines. The younger population ages 5 – 11 years can now get the much-needed protection against COVID-19 and its complications. These vaccines will further complement the existing COVID-19 vaccines available to the people of St. Lucia.

Young children are extremely vulnerable and can manifest severe lung infections, become very sick and require hospitalization, if they become infected with the COVID-19 virus. This is especially important to remember in light of variants, which can be very contagious. Like adults, children can also transmit COVID-19 to others if they’re infected, even when they have no symptoms. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can protect the child and others, reducing the chances of transmitting the virus to others, including family members (and) friends and older persons who may be more susceptible to severe consequences of the infection.

Remember, the current vaccines are still effective in preventing severe illness from current variants of the virus.

The pediatric Pfizer vaccine has been approved and authorized for use in children 5 to 11 years. The formulation and dosage are different to that of the adult Pfizer vaccine. The recommended schedule is two doses given intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle 4-8 weeks apart after the first dose, preferentially 8 weeks, as a longer interval between doses is associated with higher vaccine effectiveness.

Side effects are likely, similarly to the side effects experienced with other age groups. The child may experience pain at the injection site (upper arm), and could feel more tired than usual. Fever, irritability, or drowsiness are also possible. These side effects are usually temporary and generally clear up within 48 hours. Antipyretic or analgesics such as Panadol are effective in relief of those symptoms.

We are all looking forward to that complete state of normalcy. Getting vaccinated is beneficial and cost effective; and reduces severe illness and hospitalizations. For our children – it means keeping them in school with less disruptions; and participating in the activities they enjoy. Most important, is the protection the vaccine offers. Children exposed to the virus who are vaccinated are less likely to get infected.

As of Monday August 15, 2022, the Pediatric Pfizer will be available at all Wellness Centres for children (5 to 11 years). Parents or guardians are encouraged to visit or make an appointment at the Wellness Centres to have their children vaccinated.

Vaccination continues at various Community Wellness Centres around the island. COVID-19 vaccines currently available are Astrazeneca, Pfizer BioNTech (Adult & Pediatric) and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). The Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs encourages persons, especially the vulnerable amongst us, to get vaccinated. COVID-19 still infects people; can cause severe disease, hospitalization and death.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.