CPS Vaccination Team and the 1,000th recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine (centre).
PHILIPSBURG--The 1,000th COVID-19 vaccination was administered at the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) offices on the very first day of opening up for of vaccinations, Monday, March 1.
The number was brought up to more than 900 vaccinations carried out collectively by St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) last week, said the Vaccination Management Team (VMT) in a press release.
Mederica Marshall-Marlin, a retired community worker, received the 1000th vaccination. He said, “I’m happy to receive the vaccine because it will help my body to protect me against COVID-19 virus, and I would like to encourage everyone in St. Maarten to come out and get vaccinated too!’’
CPS is currently vaccinating the second priority risk group – persons 60 years and older. The total number of registrations is gradually increasing and passed the 5,000 mark on Monday.
However, the number of registered people 60 years and older is still low, which is unfortunate because this group is most at risk of the severe side effects from COVID-19.
“More persons of this priority risk group are encouraged to register themselves, because the Pfizer vaccine is especially effective within this age group. A low number of registrations might affect the next supply of vaccines coming from the Netherlands, where they are experiencing a severe scarcity of vaccines,” said the release.
According to the release, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has also shown to be effective against the British COVID-19 strain, “from which we know that it has already been found on-island.” This variant has caused a sudden rise in active cases and hospitalisations in, for example, Aruba. “So even though our current active cases are relatively low, we have to remain cautious,” said the release.
The VMT encourages everyone, especially those 60 years and older, to register to receive the vaccine. “If you are under 60 but have a family member or friend who is above 60, please offer to help them with their registration if needed. You can also call CPS or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,” said the VMT.
The online registration form is currently available in Spanish and Creole and can be found via
https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?v=OGtn05kNmb .
The paper-based “COVID Vaccine Registration Form” can be picked up at several locations, including CPS at the Vineyard Office Park Building, the Division of Labor Affairs at the Public Service Center in Simpson Bay, doctors’ offices, the Government Administration Building, and select pharmacies.
“St. Maarten protected together.”
