radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Although COVID-19 vaccinations continued in the ten vaccination sites under the control of the Southwest Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) yesterday, appointments were curtailed as vaccines dwindled.
Guardian Media was also reliably informed that only those with appointments for today and tomorrow will be facilitated.
For the second day, yesterday, hundreds of walk-ins were turned away.
Over 150 walk-in patients who did not get through with appointments went to the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) from 7 am, but they were informed that they were not allowed to stay on the compound unless they had an appointment.
Among them was 80-year-old David Ramdhin.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Ramdhin said, “I came to SAPA to get a vaccine but it appears I have to come cap-in-hand and beg on my knees.”
He added that he went to the Roy Joseph Health Centre and was told it was not being given there.
“I am 80 years old and I am disappointed because I feel people at my age should get preference over the young people because of my age and failing health,” Ramdhin said.
He added, “I have to say my prayers and hope that I am safe. I don’t know if I will get the appointment now. They should put things in place so that people of my age would get them. I wasn’t aware they were giving the vaccine here.”
Up to 4 pm, over a dozen walk-ins were still under the tent in case there were any leftover vaccines.
Mary Katwaroo said, “I have no appointment but I will wait until they close up. If they have any extras I will get through. I am hoping that I get through.”
Officials at the SWRHA said all of the people whose names were on the appointment lists came forward to be vaccinated.
There were no long lines at the Marabella and La Romaine Health Centres, as vaccinations were done by appointment in an orderly fashion.
While vaccines will continue at SAPA today, several people who called the WhatsApp numbers to make appointments were told that they will be facilitated within two weeks.
The Government announced yesterday that 33,600 doses of the Astra-Zeneca vaccines will arrive in T&T next week.