Vaccine Advisory Committee Formed

Report filed by Jessica Russell – News Reporter.

A COVID- 19 vaccine advisory committee has been formed in this country.
The Ministry of Health launched the Covid-19 National Technical Working Group (NTWG) earlier this week.
This comes as the World Health Organization’s COVAX Facility through the Pan American Health Organization asked member states to create groups like these.
The newly formed NTWG will review recommendations by public health agencies such as the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts.
The body will ultimately advise the Health Ministry on which vaccine should be used in Antigua and Barbuda and help determine priority groups to be vaccinated.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph says we should rely on our local experts to advise the Cabinet on the best policy option.
Doctor Lester Simon will chair the group. It also comprises Dr. Courtney Lewis – Deputy Chairman. Dr. Jason Belizaire, Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Ms. Margaret Smith, Mr.
Alfred Athill, and Dr. George Mansoor.
Dr. Shivon Belle Jarvis, Dr. Linroy Christian, and Dianne Lalla-Rodriques are also part of the Committee.