Slowed vaccine take-up poses risk of waste

| 26/04/2021 | 159 Comments
Vaccines given at the ORIA clinic

(CNS): As the clock ticks on the shelf life of the COVID-19 vaccine stocks, the slowed pace of the vaccine take-up in the Cayman Islands may see them go to waste. According to the latest figures from Public Health officials, only 368 people received their first vaccination shot over the weekend. As of Monday afternoon, 35,307 people, or 54% of the estimated population, had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 46% have had both doses. Advice given by the chief medical officer to the last administration was that Cayman should not consider opening the borders until more than 75% of the population has received the full vaccine course.

Speaking to the media at a science fair last weekend, Governor Martyn Roper said the vaccines expire at the end of June, as he urged people to get the shots.

CNS understands that the governor has not yet spoke to the new PACT Government about what its policy will be to improve on the situation but expected it would be high on their agenda.

“It is for the new administration to decide what its policy is on this. The UK has provided vaccines, which puts us in a very good position. But I think the new government will want to look at this fairly quickly now and take some decisions. But that’s a matter for them rather than me as governor, but I’m just concerned that the vaccine rollout has slowed quite a bit,” he said.

Cayman has received 90,000 free doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech from the UK. But although this country has one of the highest vaccination rates per capita in the world, the take-up appears to now be stalling well short of the local target for herd immunity.

As the vaccine begins to curb the number of deaths in the United States, the UK and other Western countries that have got to grips with their vaccination roll-outs, in other countries, such as Brazil and India, infection rates are staggering.

Despite the strict testing requirements for all travellers coming into the Cayman Islands before they arrive, another seven people tested positive for the virus at the weekend before they were placed in quarantine and isolation. There are now 18 active cases of the virus among the 723 people in isolation, two of which are patients suffering COVID-19 symptoms.

The Health Services Authority has issued a revised vaccine schedule ahead of a planned move from the airport clinic at the end of this week to the old Cayman MAC Store in Camana Bay.

The vaccine is available to everyone 16 years and over. People getting the vaccine must have a photo ID showing a date of birth and a completed consent form for dose 1 and a vaccinated card for dose 2, which should be no sooner that 21 days later or no longer than 12 weeks after the first dose. Facemasks are still required and people over 60 years will be given priority. 

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Category: Health, Medical Health

Comments (159)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    If we have doses of the vaccine that are going to waste could we not open the borders to anyone with a condo and offer a free shot? Might get an influx of longer term tourists…just do it in batches, couple of flights a week…

  2. Anonymous says:

    Gov of Florida is made it illegal to deny anyone who isnt vac entry into their establishment and he is also against covid passports, mandatory vac, mandatory masks/muzzles now that the vac are here thats the entire point! But he has the respect to allow you to have freedom of choice and they doing better than most states eve with the third highest population! Around 50mill die every year, millions from hunger and other diseases of the lungs every year but no one cares about that it has to be covid to care.

    • Anonymous says:

      Too bad few have read your comment. Especially the last sentence.

    • Anonymous says:

      When you say no one cares you are talking out of your rear end. You mean YOU don’t care or that you never knew about it before because you live in a Facebook conservative bubble. These are issues that are very much cared about with thousands of charities doing what they can to help, as well as UNICEF funded by governments. Your comment is just a reflection of your own ignorance, not related to reality. You’re using a non-fact to support your other non-fact. Impressive.

  3. Anonymous says:

    It is time for the new Premier and Minister of Health to hold a press conference to tell people that if they don’t get vaccinated in the next few weeks then they are placing their lives and those of others at risk. If he does not he will be blamed when things inevitably go to hell when the virus arrives.

  4. Anonymous says:

    There are some interesting ideas and viewpoints in this comment section. I don’t love the idea of creating one set of rules for work permit holders and another set of rules for Caymanians. But somebody commented that there could be incentives and disincentives for those who do and do not get vaccinated, this is smart. A few others mentioned the fact that an opening plan with a date will probably get things moving, this makes complete sense. For the sake of the many hotel, watersports, taxi, etc. workers the govt needs to make a plan. We’re opening on XXX date, we strongly suggest you get your vaccine before then. If you do get your vaccine you will be able to travel back and forth with a negative test and 3 days quarantine, if you don’t get vaccinated, you’ve got 15 days. If you’re vaccinated you can continue to enjoy living without masks and going to restaurants, if you’re not vaccinated, sorry, but you can only eat at outdoor dining, can’t go to places with more than 25 people, etc, etc. All those rules we had during lockdown come back to people refusing to take a shot. Enforcing it may be a bit challenging, but not impossible, we saw that most people in Cayman are extremely compliant.

    • Anonymous says:

      Not hard to be compliant during those police state days I hope I never see again…

    • Anonymous says:

      Incentives???

      It is life and health of people we are talking about!

      On one side of the scale is possible protection from covid for 6 months and possible death or severe unknown chronic health issues for the rest of one’s life on the other.

      And for the decency sake stop ignoring numerous deaths and injuries caused by the experimental boosters!

      There is a new field of study called Pharmacogenetics that study how people respond differently to drug therapy and vaccines based upon their genetic makeup or genes. For Pete’s sake, educate yourself beyond what you hear on CNN.

  5. Anonymous says:

    I would be interested in hearing what people think is the long term plan for reopening, assuming we aren’t just going to hide under a rock for the next few years? At some point we will have tourists again, and I’m pretty sure this isn’t going away. Most countries are pushing vaccinations and making plans for any flare-ups. Cayman has had virtually no cases, so a large sector of the unvaccinated will be vulnerable to catching it, but we can’t stay shut forever…3 months, 6 months, 6 years? What is it to be?

    • Anonymous says:

      Well, we CAN keep SAFE by vaccines!!!

      We have “a choice” who comes here and who works here (if you are not local) so I agree that we need to vaccinate overseas employees just like we require a police certificate, a chest x-ray, and AIDS test, and we do not have the infrastructure to sadly help someone who suffers from Covid?

      Go Turks and Caicos!!! https://www.caymancompass.com/2021/04/26/turks-and-caicos-makes-covid-vaccines-mandatory-for-work-permit-holders/

      If you are on a work permit, you are a not a tree, and you can move elsewhere to endanger others with you anti-vax stance

      Please CI Govt- mandate Covid vaccines just like chicken pox and polio please?

      • Anonymous says:

        People are free to decide which drug to introduce to their system and which to reject. The Cayman Islands is in no positions to mandate that work permit holders should take the vaccine. Also the statistics need to be looked into as it would be interesting to see which group of residents are in the highest percentage for vaccine uptake, expats or caymanians. This expat vs caymanian shit needs to end. At the end of the day we are all human and have varying views on this vaccination. Are you so callous that you would force someone to take a vaccine that could potentially do more harm than good? Allow persons to get comfortable with taking the vaccine and in the meantime keep the social distance, wearing of mask, sanitization, isolation and other methods in play. Turks is one very small island lacking in technology and human competency. They are not a role model.

      • Anonymous says:

        If vaccines work, just take yours and stop worrying about those who don’t. You’re protected, no?

  6. Anonymous says:

    BVIbjust announced end to quarantine on 15 Maybfor anyone who is vaccinated, has a pre flight clear PCR and tests negative on arrival.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Geez, just open the place 8-6 weekdays and 10-2 on Saturday for anyone who wants the shot! Put a notice on the front page of the paper every day and show how close to the goal we are. Use your brain.

  8. Anonymous says:

    My body my choice? Are we not doing that anymore?

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, you can be a selfish p***k if you like. That’s your choice. But airlines might not let you on the flight. That’s their choice. And other countries might not let you in. That’s their choice. People might shun you because you’re a selfish p***k. That’s their choice.

      • Anonymous says:

        To say nothing of the tourism and hospitality industry who can’t work because you refuse to protect yourself. Your body, your choice – their jobs should not be your choice. People like you are why the government should just announce opening. You want to preserve your body from the evils of the vaccine but leave it vulnerable to the virus, entirely up to you.

      • Anonymous says:

        I guess we aren’t saying no to pier pressure anymore either.

        Enter the new abnormal!

    • Anonymous says:

      When abortion is legal here than you can use that argument.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, but my body my choice (right) to travel without quarantine – that works both ways

      • Anonymous says:

        Wrong. You don’t get to choose to risk infecting other people. Your right to travel does not trump their right to stay alive and healthy. You’ll have to stay home or quarantine. That’s how that works.

        • Anonymous says:

          It does if they have been offered the chance to protect themselves but have declined.

          • Anonymous says:

            And the kids? What choice did they have?

            • Anonymous says:

              They are practically immune to covid.

              CNS: There is a much lower risk to children but some have died. Try telling their parents that they were “practically immune”. People who don’t take the vaccine can still get it and the more people who have it, even if they have no symptoms, the greater risk of more and increasingly virulent mutations. Future mutations may have more of an effect on children. BBC: Why are so many babies dying of Covid-19 in Brazil? – Now I know that poverty and access to health care plays a significant part in Brazil, but it’s a warning sign. It’s worth reading the whole article.

      • Anonymous says:

        Where do you think you can travel to without quarantine? You really have your head up your ass.

        • Anonymous says:

          Delhi.

        • Anonymous says:

          Most places that are allowing travel don’t require quarantine…..including the States and many Caribbean islands.

          There is no need to quarantine people that are FULLY vaccinated.

        • Anonymous says:

          Everywhere!

        • Anonymous says:

          6:16 travel is open to lots of places. Very few require quarantine and most don’t even require testing or vaccines.

          Why do so many people in Cayman think the whole world is locked down? Not the case at all.

    • Anonymous says:

      We have not done that in relation to the control of lethal infectious diseases for about 150 years.

    • Anonymous says:

      maybe you don’t have to wash your hands either???
      or wear a mask during lockdown???
      get a life.

  9. ATP says:

    We have missed a golden opportunity during lockdown and border closure to educate the population on ways to strengthen our immune systems. Absolutely no one knows the potential long term effects of contracting COVID, *or* the potential long term side effects of the vaccine, but both could be mitigated by having our bodies function at their optimal.

    It is the responsibility, right and privilege of each individual to make informed decisions regarding their own health care. It is foolhardy to assume that those who have not taken the vaccine to date are uneducated or buying into social media hype. Critical thinkers will weigh all the information available and make the best decision for their individual situation.

    • Anonymous says:

      Selfish b*****d however you try to spin it. If all the healthy people refuse the vaccine the virus will continue to mutate and those mutations are getting more virulent. You’ll be fine but the young, old, people with pre-exisiting conditions and other vulnerabilities around the world will die or suffer long-term consequences. Disgusting attitude.

    • Anonymous says:

      spoken like a true anti-vaxxer….critical thinker my hat…ignorant fool more like who does not accpt scienctific facts.

      • ATP says:

        I am actually not an “anti-vaxxer” and have indeed administered thousands of vaccines of varying types. I do, however, believe that we are treading on dangerous ground when we attempt to remove people’s individual choice. That choice should be well-informed, and inherent in that is the responsibility of the governing body to comprehensively educate the public, not only on one method of mitigating this pandemic, but also on responsible ways to improve our immune systems to give ourselves a better chance at combating this current threat.

        Being hostile to those with views other than our own will not convince those who are yet unconvinced. My experience is that it will cause them to dig in their heels even further.

        • Anonymous says:

          You are an anti-vaxxer in denial. This is not just about you. It’s about being responsible for the world and people around you. This makes you selfish. If a child with a pre-existing condition dies from covid complications while you are drinking your green smoothie after a yoga class, this does not make you a good person.

          • Anonymous says:

            According to you it seems only one choice is acceptable – get the shot. If you choose not to get the experimental jab, then you’re a blasphemous heathen denying the wonderful gospel of the Vaccine Panacea.

            Let people make their own bloody minds up – individuals know what is best for their health, not you.

            • Anonymous says:

              No I don’t know what’s best for people’s health but public health experts do and they are trying to get as many people as possible to take the vaccine.

              • Anonymous says:

                No they don’t, the WHO has flipped more times than a breakfast pancake.

                • Anonymous says:

                  It’s called facts as we know them. Unfortunately you missed the day where you keep trying hypothetical situations to come to the best possible conclusion in science class.

                  • Anonymous says:

                    And according to the arguments you’ve put forward it is ok for the WHO to use us as test subjects.

            • Anonymous says:

              When we worked on shops, different ports of call we had to get different vaccines, if we did not agree to get the Vaccine , then we was not allowed shore leave and the next Port of call we would be sent home

          • Anonymous says:

            You are a pro-vax zealot. And a manipulator. So stop quilt-tripping.

            Children are being born in Cayman with cancer, congenital abnormalities and other debilitating health conditions. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

            So instead of “forcing” me to get the jab to save those children, why won’t you focus on the dismal state of the Grand Cayman environment that is the main CAUSE of poor health state of children and adults?

            Children are suffering while you continue buying disposable items, plastic bottles, containers and overpackaged goods.

            I don’t remember ever seeing you picking up garbage on Cayman beaches or demanding plastic-pollution free environment for Cayman residents.

            • Anonymous says:

              1. You are clearly mad.
              2. I have never done any “quilt-tripping”. I don’t know what that is.
              3. You don’t care about sick children. That’s sick.
              4. No one is forcing you to do anything. However, we still have free will so I am fully entitled to think that you are a selfish p***k
              5. You don’t know who I am so how would you “remember” me doing anything or know my shopping habits.
              6. See #1

  10. Anonymous says:

    Set an opening date and I will consider taking it. Until then, simply not worth the risk.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Send unused vaccines to India before they expire. Those that don’t want it here, don’t cry later.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Work permit holders must have the vaccine. Locals must understand that waiting it out will only harm them and their family members. Just open up now, we have enough hospital beds on island to take care of the ignorant.

    • Daphne Broon says:

      Your are an extremely ignorant and badly informed individual. Have you looked up the horrendous record of these pharmaceutical companies . My guess is you have not. Educate yourself , before handing out ill informed advice to others.

      • Anonymous says:

        Your right to not vaccinate, my right to freedom of movement. Let’s open up in 1 July (day after expiry).

      • Anonymous says:

        My guess is that I’m not the one who needs and education.

      • Anonymous says:

        You’re the one handing out ill-informed advice. You know what refutes the science? Better science. You know what does not?

        1. Your feelings.

        2. Your Religion.

        3. Any Politician.

        4. Those two YouTube videos you watched.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Isn’t it fabulous how we all know everything? For the vaccine lovers, we know it’s the right thing, the only thing, to do and that without it we’re doomed and those who won’t or have not taken it are obviously total inbreds or worse, poor.

    For those that have not taken it for any reason, we’re either comfortable that our likelihood of getting any sicker than a bad cold are slim and/or we’re not travelling and don’t believe the quarantines are going to fundamentally change this year.

    All of us completely understand this virus, it’s the end of the world. Just look at India (ignore the fact that 27,000 people die there every day and they have awful national health systems and staggeringly millions of them still defecate in their hands in public).

    And lets completely ignore the seasonality of covid 19 that the facts are proving day after day after day. And certainly do not look at the global excess deaths #’s (or you’d be wondering why you missed the 2017 pandemic – hint, there wasn’t one).

    Get stabbed if you want. Dont get stabbed if you dont want. Neither side is right or wrong. At the end of the day, both of you are equally at risk of catching and passing it on, which is odd right? And stop listening to those telling you that without it, the borders wont open. That’s pure horse. They are not opening this year anyhow, and you’ll still have to quarantine for X days.

    Calm down. This will all be over next year. Maybe stop being so misled, stop panicking, and live without your trip to Vegas for 12 more months (you’d catch worse there anyhow)

    • Anonymous says:

      India has a problem with toilets. It doesn’t have enough of them. That means hundreds of millions of people in the country end up defecating outside, which can spread diseases including cholera, typhoid and COVID-19. Poor sanitation in India leads to over 126,000 deaths every year from diarrheal diseases.
      https://www.cnet.com › news › i…
      India spent $30 billion to fix its broken sanitation. It ended up with more problems … – CNET

      Compare to China that is also overpopulated, but covid is under control and they have 21st century sanitation.

  14. Frustrated GAB worker says:

    I did a mini poll in my department … the now vaccinated are all Generational Caymanians as all they family be heh … everyone else is fully vaccinated from Early April … so its, not Expats (WP Holders, PR’s or Drifties) who are the problem! And they are the ones who have travelled since February 2020 and continue to be able to do so

  15. Anonymous says:

    My favorite nail bar is in Miami. Is my wanting to go there a sufficient reason to open the borders and let the virus in?

  16. Anonymous says:

    It is time for a discussion on whether the public health risks of not having a significant portion of our population vaccinated justifies a requirement for work permit renewals and new permits to carry a mandatory vaccination obligation (with an exception for medically proven adverse risk such as known anaphylaxis).

    Same with those residents wanting to travel and shop in Miami. Perhaps they should be required to be vaccinated (with medical exceptions) as a condition of travel. How much risk to the population justifies this restriction?

    • Anonymous says:

      I think you will find that most residents on WP are in fact ALREADY vaccinated.
      I haven’t seen my friends and family for almost 2 years and wish nothing more than for the borders to reopen.
      And I know the same applies to a lot of WP holders and their families.
      I am truly thankful for how lucky we have been here in the 14 months but there is need for a plan to reopen at some point.
      And through conversations with many parents at my children’s school it is quite clear that the people NOT keen to have the vaccine are local caymanians who have their family here(or whose business hasn’t been affected by the lack of tourists)and are in no rush to go anywhere therefore don’t feel the need to have the vaccine.
      I know the situation in India at the moment is dreadful but if we look at the bigger picture there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel for a lot of other countries and we might be at risk of being « left behind »..
      Keeping the borders closed is not a viable solution in the long run.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is time you stop overthinking and over analyzing. You are driving yourself nuts.

  17. Anonymous says:

    No borders no vaccine

  18. Anonymous says:

    Where are the radio and tv ads on all channels to tell people of the need to get vaccinated and where and when to get vaccinated in their own neighbourhoods.

    Where are the public health officials appearing on local tv and radio to explain the need for people to get vaccinated.

    Where are the vehicles with loudspeakers going through neighbourhoods and do we even have a clue as to the geographic distribution of people who have not been vaccinated?

    Time for some innovation not more of the same.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Ok Kenneth now that you are responsible for Tourism let’s get a plan going, enough with the “we will see” attitude. Set a date and rules, example those that are vaccinated no quarantine but need to take a test, those not vaccinated have to follow the full 14 day quarantine protocol. Europe is already in talks with the US about summer travel for all vaccinated individuals without quarantine. Turks and Caicos along with some other islands opened up to vaccinated tourist and are thriving (forget Bermuda that is a different story). We need to get going so set a date so that the yahoo’s waiting until the last minute can get vaccinated and we all can plan accordingly.

    • Anonymous says:

      Brillant plan! Those vaccinated can still carry COVID. Let’s open up for summer and guarantee the kids end up having to home school come September. If any kids contract COVID here you KNOW the government will shut all the schools down. I’m sure all parents would absolutely be thrilled to go back to homeschooling. Which would then require employers to allow these parents to work from home again.

  20. Anonymous says:

    The new government should follow Turks & Caicos wise example and required ALL work permit holders to be vaccinated. And not issue renewals, especially for the revolving door of temporaries, if they refuse. Since they make up a large part of our population, they are part of the problem!

  21. Anonymous says:

    Can you work with the construction companies to get their staff vaccinated? A lot of people and I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them to get to the airport as many don’t have vehicles.

  22. Anonymous says:

    2nd pension fund WITHDRAWAL is the answer. This ultra right wing Cayman country – give me mothaf$cking pension money out of those grossly incompetent overcharging 1.5% MER underperforming pensions then I’ll get the vaccine shot.
    Blatant white collar theft to all pensioners those pensions.

  23. Anonymous says:

    some solutions to get us out of this no-plan mess.
    create vacccine lottery….all folk who are vaccinated are entered into lottery for 10# $50k prizes. draw to be made 1st July.
    incentivise the process….vaccinated folk can travel without quarantine from July 1st…unvaccinated can’t.
    create vaccine passport.
    introduce restrictions for non-vaccinated…no cinema…no bars.
    remeber thepeople refusing to take the vaccine are putting peoples lives at risk…they deserve no sympathy.

    • Anonymous says:

      vaccine lottery? Do you mean Russian roulette? Take chances with your own body and life, leave the rest alone

    • Anonymous says:

      How are non-vaccinated persons putting vaccinated persons at risk? Isn’t the whole point of taking the vaccine, so you’re not at risk?

      • Anonymous says:

        Because they are potentially taking up valuable hospital beds when they get sick, thereby reducing the care available for other conditions. That’s how unvaccinated people are a risk to the rest of us. That and their draw on the public purse XXXX

      • Anonymous says:

        Because they are preventing herd immunity, which is leading to new variants that are more contagious and severe.

    • BeaumontZodecloun says:

      Many people have medical conditions which don’t allow them to take the mRNA vaccine. We should already be contacting those people to see if there is an interest in taking the AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson. I suspect there are several people who would take the vaccine if it weren’t medically contraindicated.

  24. Anonymous says:

    there was never a plan to get people vaccinated…leaving it as choice with the poorly educated local population was a recipe for disaster.
    to think the vaccinated majority are now suffering due to the inaction of the anti-vaxxers is bonkers….but this is just another day in wonderland.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you got the shot, then relax, you are protected. Or so they say. In either case continue your “education”.

    • Al Catraz says:

      And the choice to poorly educate the local population was baked-in.

      • Anonymous says:

        It is quite the opposite, people with critical thinking are refusing the experimental shots.

        Critical thinkers are focused on constantly upgrading their knowledge, and they engage in independent self-learning. Critical thinking is all about seeking to understand. It involves no judgement.

        Overthinking involves ruminating, worrying, and overanalyzing. It involves dwelling on the problem, rather than developing a solution.

    • Anonymous says:

      How absolutely insulting. I will not be getting the vaccine but it’s not because of lack of research on the subject. The fact is that none of us know what the long term effects of that deletion will actually do to us. What about those of us who have autoimmune diseases or have not had children yet? There are many unintended consequences which may happen and guess what? NO ONE has responsibility if something goes wrong. Governments have given the manufacturers liability protection. These vaccines are experimental and they do not prevent you from getting COVID. At first scientists were saying it would prevent it and now they are saying it may have to be an annual vaccine like the flue shot.

      Furthermore, this whole idea of forcing people to take it would be in contravention of human rights. Are you or anyone proposing that vaccinations be forced on people aware of the Nuremberg code?

      CNS: The idiotic reference to the Nuremberg Code is something I haven’t seen in the comments for months. I though that had died a death but apparently it’s still swirling around on social media or wherever it is you get your information. Read this on Reuters. And then read this.

      No one is going to hold you down and force an injection into you but governments have the right to create rules to protect the general population, so you might not be allowed to do some things if you choose not to take the vaccine. That’s your choice. If you have a medical condition, we understand.

      • Anonymous says:

        Firstly, CNS I never claimed that people administering vaccines were war criminals. However, if the government begins to force people against their will to be vaccinated as many are advocating for then we are getting into that territory.

        What I notice is the pro-vaccination crowd lump all persons who are choosing not to be vaccinated together as if we are just making these choices willy-billy on a bunch of conspiracy theories. This is exactly why you and medical professionals who take this approach are not convincing anyone who has chosen not to get vaccinated to change their mind. Choosing to be cautious about a completely new medical treatment is not radical at all. It is not crazy to say I would like to see how this looks in say 5 years before making a choice that could impact my health and perhaps that of my unborn children for the rest of our lives. This will also have financial consequences if we get sick because of the vaccine and no one but the individual will be responsible for the costs.

        I will wait and see what happens to the millions who have taken it worldwide and reassess in a few years.

    • Anonymous says:

      Opting to poorly educate a people makes for malleable voters. Does not do much for their competitiveness when it comes to jobs however it does create a financial windfall for CIG with work permit fees. Now we have the unforeseen fallout of people not trusting science. Maybe if it was seen as God’s vaccine it might be widely accepted?

  25. Anonymous says:

    New government, what is the plan? Need to set a date for a partial opening (allowing vaccinated visitors and returning residents to not quarantine).

    Without setting a date (and giving people credit for vaccine after that date), the remaining hesitant people arent going rush to get the remaining shots.

    Setting a date will then allow carriers like American, United, Delta etc to throw some flights down here.

  26. Anonymous says:

    Pfizer submitted its EUA application to the FDA a month ago for 12 to 15 year olds (after its study showed 100% efficacy and no safety concerns). It is expected to get an EUA in May. At that point, Cayman should use its excess vaccines to start jabbing this cohort.

    So, for those over 16 sitting on the sidelines, get your ass (or arm!) in gear and get your shot.

    • Dickie Doughnut says:

      Why ? Because you said it. Have you ever heard about the right to make your own choices, about what gets injected into your own body.

      Obviously you have not read any official data on these experimental injections. Get back to me when you have.
      I won’t hold my breath !!

    • Anonymous says:

      ..get your ass in gear? What a simpleton you are.

  27. Anonymous says:

    This is what happens when you don’t have a plan…..
    I predicted this in January….
    Why is it not mandatory,?
    This is the solution to the problem the world has been waiting for…why are we letting the ignorant hold us back?

    • Anonymous says:

      Mandatory is NOT the way to go.

      Holding the vaccinated people hostage while others dilly-daddle not getting it is NOT the way to go either!

      However, setting a date for re-opening and telling everyone that if you’re not vaccinated by then, so be it….would be great!

  28. Anonymous says:

    If there are unused vaccines that are about to expire and cannot be sent to people that have had none, would it be worthwhile offering them as 6 month booster shots to the first group of healthcare providers and others who go their initial shots in January?

  29. Anonymous says:

    Sad if some of the Vaccines will expire, come on all people in the Cayman Islands get the vaccine shots, its free. It maybe save your life and life of others.

  30. Anonymous says:

    Open up, you’ve had your change to get vaccinated.

    • Anonymous says:

      I respectfully disagree. If we allow in infected tourists, the may become sick while here and take up hospital beds. They may also pass on the virus to our unvaccinated residents who will take up hospital beds. Ok, so that sounds like their problem so why worry?
      But what happens when there is a car accident, or you have a stroke or heart attack and can’t get prompt care, or the quality of care you need in the hospital because there are no beds left because they are full of covid patients.
      What about all those who have no insurance and the government will have to pay for their care and potentially lifelong ongoing illness or disability as a result. All from the public purse that should be providing education or public services.
      You may have been vaccinated, but if it all goes to s**t here with covid, we all will pay for it.

      • Anonymous says:

        Thank you. Excellent points and logic.

      • Anonymous says:

        I don’t think anyone is suggesting allowing in infected tourists, rather, allowing in vaccinated. Even if they are the few that can still catch it, the vaccine is proven to reduce symptoms to almost always asymptomatic – no need for a bed.

        However if they spread it to an anti-vaxxer, then yea, that’s their problem. Can’t hear you ga feel. Tourism needs to return!

      • Anonymous says:

        Visitors who come to the Cayman Islands are well off and do carry an insurance, sometimes even travel insurance.
        They don’t want to get covid either.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Any chance of going to the meeting rooms of some of the larger employers? Banks, Accounting Firms, Law firms, Government?

    • Anonymous says:

      I estimate that 95% of the people at our large 200-person accounting firm have received the shot.

      (The ones that were ‘hesitant’ at first were later convinced by the prospect of being able to travel freely, and also have limited to no quarantine upon return).

    • Anonymous says:

      It’s not the educated people at banks, accountants and law firms who are reluctant to get the vaccine. I can be pretty sure most of the people in those jobs will have been keen to be vaccinated. It’s the people of lesser education and understanding who believe in social media nonsense over science who we need to reach. But how they can be convinced when they are so stupid to believe all this crap in the first place, I just don’t know.

      • Anonymous says:

        Plenty in support roles or jobs otherwise requiring limited education/qualifications at those firms who are refusing the vaccine. Also a surprising number of supposedly educated young adults who will “take it when I have to”.

    • Anonymous says:

      7:31, you missed the mark on which groups you think aren’t vaccinated! It’s not typically the professionals you’ve listed!

      Set up in front of Fosters/Kirks/Hurleys on a Saturday night. Throw in a free $10 top-up card for cell phones and a free t-shirt. Ask each of those places to donate a $100 gift card to be raffled off to everyone that gets vaccinated during each session at their store.

  32. Anonymous says:

    Everyone has had their chance, they know the risks, open the border. Enough is enough.

  33. Anonymous says:

    Letting vaccines go to waste while millions are dying would be grotesque.

    We need to do a much better, much more innovative job of getting the vaccine to people who are less mobile. We need creative thinking and we need it immediately. Why don’t we put up flyers with time and place and then have a mobile unit that goes to neighborhoods and popular locations to vaccinate people.

    • Anonymous says:

      To 6.35pm “We need to do a much better, much more innovative job of getting the vaccine to people who are less mobile”. You are way behind the times bo-bo; HSA has been making housecalls to seniors and those less mobile for a long time now. I got both shots at home in March.

    • Anonymous says:

      You can send the vaccines back to the UK. We’re all having to have AZ with its grim side effects (2 days ill in bed for most people) because we sent the Pfizer to people who don’t want it, apparently. Also our 16 – 18 year olds can’t have AZ.

  34. Anonymous says:

    HSA should be doing more to incentivize taking the shots. In the states you get free beer, donuts, and all kinds of stuff.

  35. Anonymous says:

    Pretty soon you won’t get your jab so stop holding out.

  36. Anonymous says:

    We need to be offering vaccinations in all district clinics including evening and weekend hours. Vaccinations should be offered in places people are likely to have easier access to. Whoever is organising vaccinations needs to start thinking outside the box or we are setting ourselves up for a disaster.

    We also need to do much better at communicating to people regarding where and when vaccines are available as well as the fact that vaccines are free. Use the disaster alert database and send out reminders on all 3 islands, send out vehicles with loudspeakers, – think people!

    • Anonymous says:

      Seriously? Who on the island would have no idea the vaccines are given out at the airport.

      • Anonymous says:

        Seriously? everybody should just get in their Audi A10 and drive to the airport or have their chauffeur take them. Those that have a job that requires their presence and those that don’t have an Audi or a chauffeur too bad.

        ***Sarcasm

  37. Anonymous says:

    Israel investigates Pfizer vaccine recipients who have reported inflammation of the heart after 62 cases were reported among more than 5 million who have had jab.

    *CNS: It’s important to read the whole article and not just the headline. See here.

    Rate of Americans skipping their second COVID shots has DOUBLED since February with more than 5 million missing them – as the number of people getting a first shot falls by HALF in a week.

    *CNS: Largely because they are getting their “news” from Facebook or right wing media. They should spend more time reading about what is happening in India (here’s a link to the Daily Mail since you seem to like it), which just a short time ago appeared to have got over the worst of covid, or Brazil, where their idiot Trumpy leader played down the pandemic.

    You can’t tell people they need to get an experimental drug injected into them.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you CNS – I hope that you keep on correcting – it must be so frustrating – if only there was a vaccine for stupid

  38. Anonymous says:

    Returning vaccinated residents, 1-2 days quarantine (reduced to no quarantine July 1).

    Returning unvaccinated residents (who are medically able to receive vaccine), enjoy 10 days in quarantine.

    Panton, your first decision must be a policy on this. Everything else should be secondary. YOU MUST set something out by the end of April so people can plan their summer.

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