Confusion at Vaccination Site

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police were called to a vaccination site on New Providence today, as dozens of residents rushed to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, amid a dwindling supply.

Kyle Walkine has the story.

A single officer sought to keep people calm as they stood in line and sometimes crammed the front door of Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium in hopes of getting vaccinated.

When our cameras were spotted, those who crowded the door were asked to move and have some sort of order.

Just two days ago Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said that vaccine supplies are running low.

On Tuesday the Ministry of Health and Wellness released a statement saying beginning next Monday, first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will no longer be offered.

As of October 23rd, second doses of AstraZeneca will not be offered. Site supervisor Charles Moss told Our News he believes that news may have been the reason for the rush.

No vaccinations took place in New Providence since the start of the holiday weekend. That is until they opened this morning.

Moss said aside from the hundreds of people with appointments, there were many more walk-ins. Eventually, more police showed up.

More than 700 people were expected to be vaccinated at this site alone today. Moss said his priority is keeping people socially distanced and safe.

Fifty-seven thousand doses of Pfizer are due in country early next month.

As of last Saturday, 115,000 people were fully vaccinated in The Bahamas and just under 128,000 received their first dose, not including the single-dose Johnson and Johnson.