PRESS RELEASE
Statement from the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee on COVID-19 vaccine distribution and supplies
As of 2 July 2021, 95,992, doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in The Bahamas. Fifty-nine thousand seven hundred and thirty-one people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. A total of 36,261 people have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine.
The strategy of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee is to distribute all approved vaccines received as safely, as quickly and as efficiently as possible to all Bahamians and residents throughout The Bahamas, who wish to receive the vaccine.
On New Providence, a total of 69,642 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, and on Grand Bahama, 13,737 doses.
Both doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been successfully rolled out throughout the Family Islands. The Committee is encouraged by the uptake of the vaccine in the Family Islands. A total of 12,613 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the Family Islands to date.
Among those eligible to receive a second dose of the vaccine, 86.1 percent of persons who have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine have presented to receive their second dose, across The Bahamas.
As a group, 91.2 percent of persons receiving their first dose in the Family Islands have returned for their second dose. On Nassau, 85.5 percent have returned for their second dose, and on Grand Bahama, 84.5. percent.
Vaccines are distributed in The Bahamas once they meet emergency use approval by the World Health Organization; the country must also be able to secure the prescribed storage facilities, with the recommended transport and administrative measures, inclusive of management of waste.
The following is the total number of vaccines received by The Bahamas so far:
• 20,000 AstraZeneca vaccines donated by the Government of India – received 10 March 2021
• 33,600 AstraZeneca vaccines pre-paid through the COVAX Facility – received 30 March 2021
• 33,600 AstraZeneca vaccines pre-paid through the COVAX Facility – received 11 May 2021
• 5,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through an exchange with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda – received 24 June 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be administered for as long as possible until additional supplies of vaccines are received.
A third tranche of 33,600 AstraZeneca vaccines, prepaid through the COVAX facility, is expected to be received before the end of July.
The Bahamas has been informed that it will receive this third tranche on the 26 July 2021.
The Bahamas has also received an offer from the United States, through the CARICOM health agency CARPHA, for additional COVID-19 vaccines.
This process is underway; however, The Bahamas has not yet received a specific timeline for delivery.
This week vaccines will be administered at Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road in New Providence and at the Susan J. Wallace Community Centre on Grand Bahama, Monday 5 July through Wednesday 7 July. Vaccinations will pause on Thursday 8 July for the Independence Holiday and resume the following week, starting Wednesday 14 July 2021.
Further updates on vaccine distribution and deliveries will be issued on an ongoing basis.
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4 July 2021
National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee
Office of the Prime Minister
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Contact: opmcommunications@bahamas.gov.bs
Website: www.opm.gov.bs
