The Bahamas Is Closer to a COVID-19 Vaccine. Will You Be Vaccinated?
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As the world fights to develop and mass-produce an effective vaccine against the coronavirus, the Bahamas is seeking to secure enough vaccine to help fight the virus in the country.
Like many governments around the world, the Bahamas’ government is hoping the vaccine will assist in returning daily life to normalcy.
What is the status of the COVID-19 vaccine for the Bahamas?
Health Minister Renward Wells announced that the Cabinet of the Bahamas has approved vaccination for 20 percent of the population through the World Health Organisation via the Pan American Health Organisation.
Wells said the Bahamas will make a down payment of $2 million to ensure 80,000 people including front line workers and the country’s most vulnerable, are vaccinated.
The country is expected to receive the vaccines in the first phase of the distribution, he said.
Wells said all countries are required to make a down payment on the vaccines.
How does a vaccine work?
According to the WHO, vaccines save millions of lives each year, and work to prepare the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus.
If the body is exposed to the virus, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness, the WHO says.
Vaccines have been used to prevent numerous life-threatening diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.
WHO says currently there are over 169 COVID-19 vaccine candidates under development, with 26 of these in the human trial phase.
The health organization says it is working with scientists, business, and global health organizations to speed up the pandemic response.
When a safe and effective vaccine is found, WHO says it will facilitate the equitable access and distribution of these vaccines to protect people in all countries. People most at risk will be prioritized.
