BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- WITH the United States set to impose a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all international travellers entering that country, health officials in St. Kitts have assured the populace that all vaccines used locally are recognised for travel.
Concerns were raised as the United States Food And Drug Administration (FDA) did not give approval for the AstraZeneca Vaccine to be used in the North American country.
Additionally, Jamaicans were flagged when travelling to the United Kingdom, especially those who used doses from the Sirum Institute of India.
But Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws has given the assurance that when the requirement comes into effect in early November, all would be okay for people to travel.
“I want to assure the public that the United Kingdom recognises the AstraZeneca/Oxford Vaccine from India, the Serum Institute of India - that is the Covisheld Vaccine, and I also think they also recognise SK Bioscience,” added Dr. Laws.
While speaking at the most recent NEOC media brief, the CMO revealed that they have been in contact with officials within the United Kingdom, who have sent several questions seeking clarification on the local vaccination programme.
The questions have since been answered providing assurance surrounding the population travelling to the UK. That would also provide reassurance for locals seeking to travel to the United States.
Head of the US COVID-19 Response Team, Dr. Anthony Fauci supports the AstraZeneca Vaccine, pointing out recently that he anticipates the United States would accept that from visitors across the globe.
The United States has not approved the vaccine but Fauci had indicated that the US would not likely need them since they have enough doses to inoculate its population.
The US has thus far begun donating doses of the Pfizer Vaccine across the region to fight against the virus, and St. Kitts ands Nevis is set to receive 35,000 doses of which 11, 000 has thus far been shipped to the Federation.
