Vaccination Rollout Really Kicks Off; Former PM Esquivel Gets Vaccinated
First, it was frontline healthcare workers from COVID-19 Units across the country and now it’s time for another vulnerable group as the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine really kicks off. Over the weekend, G.O.B. acquired an additional twenty-five thousand doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Government of India. Since then, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is calling on all persons sixty years and older as well as those with special conditions such as HIV, cancer and renal failure to visit designated COVID-19 vaccination centres across the country to get their first dose. News Five headed over to the Cleopatra White Polyclinic on Princess Margaret Drive where some familiar faces were getting the jab.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Former Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel and his wife Kathy were among those who came to the Cleopatra White Polyclinic for the administering of their first dose of vaccine against the deadly COVID-19.
Manuel Esquivel
Manuel Esquivel, Former Prime Minister
“I am still waiting, I didn’t feel anything.”
Reporter
“Will you feel more secure now knowing that you are at least half way safe?”
Manuel Esquivel
“I feel fine. I have no problem.”
The process was very efficient and takes just about twenty minutes. An individual arrives at the clinic where his or her bio data is recorded and after a short wait, depending on the amount of persons within the vaccination centre, you enter to get your jab. You are then monitored for fifteen minutes to see if there is any adverse reaction to the vaccine; if there isn’t you are then free to go until your scheduled second dose in six to eight weeks.
Kathy Esquivel, Got Vaccinated
“They’re very professional. Nurse Gallego is wonderful; you don’t feel a thing. They tell you what you need to know, very professional.”
While the couple got vaccinated today, the Esquivels have been very proactive in ensuring that they stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manuel Esquivel
Kathy Esquivel
“We’re very careful about meeting; we don’t go out anywhere, we don’t mix with people that are not in our immediate household. When I go shopping, Mister Esquivel waits in the car because I don’t want a lot of people coming up and talking to him. After he gets his second vaccine then it will be okay. And my employees, I harass them to keep their masks on.”
Duane Moody
“Any advice to those who at this point in time are still contemplating whether they would come out and get vaccinated?”
Kathy Esquivel
“I think you need to educate yourself. Certainly don’t listen to fake news. Get your information from people that know; don’t get your information from people that really don’t have any expertise.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
Shots continue in Belize City, those over sixty in Belmopan can go to the Civic Centre between nine a.m. and four p.m. for theirs. Be sure to take your social security card.
