Key Points From The Ministry of Health’s Media Conference – Wednesday 23rd August 2021
– Technical Director of Epidemiology, Dr. Avery Hinds, shared the expiration dates of the recently acquired COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Hinds stated that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines will expire on the 30th November,2021 and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines will expire in May of 2023.
– Director of Women’s Health, Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh stated that to date, 315 pregnant women have contracted the COVID-19 virus. Dr Sirjusingh reminded the population that even though there has been no recorded fetal effects from the virus, still births and pre term labour are still possible effects of getting infected.
– Dr Sirjusingh announced that as of Wednesday 25th August, the Pfizer Vaccine will be offered to all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers at all sites that administer said vaccine. Dr Sirjusingh stated that pregnant women are eligible for the vaccine after their first trimester (week 13 onwards) and that they are required to present a new form that needs to be filled out by health care provider/antenatal records along with their ID. The Doctor indicated that once a woman informs staff at the vaccination site of her pregnancy, they will be fast tracked to receive their dose.