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An exuberant Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia received a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine today.

After receiving his shot, Minnis dispelled rumours about the vaccine and said receiving the vaccine is one step to getting the Bahamas back to normal.  Minnis said he wishes for the country to get back to normal by June.

“…You cannot feel it. Individuals need not be afraid.

“It is essential. There has been fake news. Millions have been vaccinated without problems. I took mine. There was no fear. Take it so our counry can get back to normal, people can get back to work and students can get back to school.”

Minnis assures that the vaccine is safe and will save lives.

Fear arose after some European countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca due to blood clot concerns. After the concerns, European Medicines Agency (EMA) said “There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine.”

Health Minister Renward Wells also received the jab.

They joined Public Health Nurse, Sister Ruth Bastian and Public Health Advisor Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis who were the first two people vaccinated.

20,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were donated by India on Wednesday.

The first batch of COVID-19 vaccine doses is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday, after a delay.

Why it matters

The first batch, which includes 20,000 doses, donated by the Government of India, was expected to arrive on Sunday but was rescheduled due to “logistical issues overseas” according to Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

Bahamians can expect to receive ‘the jab’ shortly after its arrival.

The big picture

Many Bahamians are skeptical about the vaccine. It is not known how many will receive the vaccine but Minnis has stated he will be the first to be vaccinated.

Millions of people around the world have received the AstraZeneca vaccine with no hospitalization or serious illness, according to medical literature.

The Archdiocese’s Position on the Vaccine

Most Reverend Patrick Pinder said all Bahamians eligible to receive the vaccine should do so, adding, “it promotes the common good.”

Pinder said he will receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available.