Approximately 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Haiti on Wednesday, but vaccine hesitancy and political unrest could delay distribution for weeks.
Approximately 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Haiti on Wednesday, meaning it no longer was the only country in the Americas without any. But vaccine hesitancy, to say nothing of the recent violence and political unrest, could delay distribution for weeks.
Both U.S. and Haiti military forces helped UNICEF transport the doses in a mostly clandestine effort necessitated by the surrounding violence. The Moderna vaccines, which will be stored in hundreds of solar-power refrigerators throughout Haiti, were donated by the U.S. government through COVAX and delivered to Port-au-Prince, the nation's capital."We hope this first donation of doses will be followed by others," UNICEF said in a statement.
Distribution is expected to start later this week as local health authorities and aid groups are battling vaccine misinformation that's apparently spreading throughout the country. Only 22% of all Haitians said they would get vaccinated, according to preliminary results of a UNICEF-supported study conducted by the University of Haiti in June. There's also the ongoing gang violence and political uncertainty following
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Here's another reason to get the Covid-19 vaccine: It may prevent long Covid.It is theoretically possible for a fully vaccinated person to get long Covid. But doctors contend that it doesn't appear to be a significant risk.
Read more »
Sydney Airport becomes Covid-19 rebound hubIt rejected a $17 bln takeover proposal despite the hefty premium on offer. The airport operator reckons it can land post-pandemic value unaided. Any bid sweetener would require an even rosier view of travel, turning the deal into a stark proxy for fuzzy recovery prospects.
Read more »
Young, unvaccinated people hospitalized with Covid-19 as delta variant spreads'We are seeing patients in their 20s and 30s who are otherwise healthy who are coming because of worsening symptoms ... in the ICU, who are needing to have ventilator and high oxygen support,' a Kansas doctors says. 'Again, because they're unvaccinated.'
Read more »
Mask shaming ignores COVID-19 fears of immunocompromised peopleThe immunocompromised population is put in a tough position, as others 'mask shame' people for wearing masks despite re-opening efforts.
Read more »
Covid-19: More walk-in vaccine clinics to open in Northern IrelandNo booking is required at the clinics across NI, which are offering first doses to anyone over 18.
Read more »
COVID-19 outbreak tied to weeklong church retreat
Read more »