On Monday, March 22nd, exactly one month after the vaccination campaign started on Sint Maarten, 10.000 persons have registered to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
This group consists of roughly 900 medical frontline workers, 3000 persons of 60 years or older, 2200 persons with underlying medical conditions, and the remaining 3900 essential workers and persons aged 18-59 without underlying medical conditions.
Currently, only the first three priority risk groups are being called forward to receive their vaccine, though the Vaccine Management Team (VMT) expects to continue to the final two groups soon.
The aim is still to vaccinate at least 70% of the population before the start of the hurricane season. Additionally, the VMT would like to keep the numbers low to prevent another outbreak of active cases as is currently the case on Curacao and Bonaire. This is due to the more contagious UK variant, from which we know has also been found on Sint Maarten. For the VMT to reach herd immunity, and prevent the virus from spreading, more registrations are needed, so the vaccination rate can be upscaled accordingly.
For those who are still doubtful, the VMT is planning different outreach activities to provide information and assistance with the registration process. This service is currently also provided at the Cole Bay and Dutch Quarter Community Helpdesk between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays.
Do not forget to bring any form ID, if you want to register yourself on the spot. Lastly, the VMT and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Service (CPS) also offer information sessions for organizations. To set up an information session, please send an email to bvdmeijden@whiteyellowcross.org
Registration can be done via the online registration form which is available in English, Spanish, and Creole, and can be found via the following link: https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?v=OGtn05kNmb.
If you have a friend, parent, neighbor, or relative that may need assistance with registration, transportation, or emotional support, CPS asks the community to ‘please do your part’.
The paper-based âCOVID Vaccine Registration Formâ can be picked up at several locations, including CPS at the Vineyard Office Park Building, the Division of Labor Affairs at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center in Simpson Bay, doctorsâ offices, the Government Administration Building, and select pharmacies.
If you need help with the registration process, your appointment, or wish for more information about the vaccination campaign, you can also call CPS at 914 or email: vaccination@sintmaartengov.org
Sint Maarten, protected together.