Continuation of the use of Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine by Saint Lucia

Officials in the Ministry of Health and Wellness have taken the position to continue the roll out of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, despite suspensions in some European countries.

According to the World Health Organisation WHO, they are aware that as a precautionary measure, a few countries in the European Union have suspended use of a specific batch of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The World Health Organisation emphasizes on the need to note that “the vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risk, and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing.”

The World Health Organization WHO is also aware of reports of a rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who have received the vaccine from that particular batch. It is emphasized that vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce deaths from other causes. Deaths from other causes will continue to occur, including after vaccination, but casually unrelated.

The World Health Organisation Global Advisory Committee remains committed to systematically reviewing any vaccine safety signals and concerns related to COVID-19 vaccine safety. The Committee will meet every two weeks to advise the World Health Organisation on any new safety signals and concerns related to COVID-19 vaccine.

The Ministry of Health assures the public that the decision made in regard to the COVID-19 vaccine is in the best interest of the population. We will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates as received.

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