GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – On Wednesday morning, March 10th, there was a crowd gathered at the Belair Community Center to receive a vaccine in response to the incorrect circulating message on social media, that the vaccines would be available to everyone.
As stated in the official press release issued by the Department of Communication (DCOMM) on Tuesday evening: This is not correct, and only those who fall under the first three priority risks groups are currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
The experience Wednesday morning was that too much time and effort from the staff was needed in verifying the eligibility of persons with underlying conditions without an appointment at the Belair Community Center. Therefore, the Vaccine Management Team (VMT) decided that vaccination after registration on-site will only be allowed for persons who are 60 years or older who can prove their residency on Sint Maarten. This is because only for this group, it can be checked, simple, fast, and without any hassle that they are eligible to receive the vaccine. With this approach, we can still accommodate walk-ins while not negatively affecting those that are present with booked appointments.
Note, that this does not exclude the person’s age 18-59, with underlying conditions from receiving the vaccine. They are still eligible but are asked to follow the normal registration procedure: Register, receive, and confirm the appointment, and then go for your vaccination on the set date and time.
Lastly, the VMT wants to emphasize that everyone who wants the vaccine will be offered one. The aim remains to vaccinate at least 70% of the population before the start of the hurricane season, but the VMT does work with a priority system to ensure that those who have the highest risk of contracting severe COVID-19, will be protected first. The VMT is aware that many are eager to receive the vaccine but asks persons to be patient and wait their turn. If you are eligible, you will be offered the vaccine.
The VMT would like to once more stress the importance of the registration procedure. Only if people register, additional vaccines can be requested from the Netherlands, and an upscale of vaccination locations can be implemented to accommodate more people.
Registration can be done via the online registration form which is also available in Spanish and Creole and can be found via the following link: https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?v=OGtn05kNmb.
Both Cole Bay & Dutch Quarter Community Helpdesks are currently equipped to provide information and help with registration for the vaccine. Do not forget to check the opening hours and bring a form of identification. Lastly, the paper based “COVID Vaccine Registration Form” can be picked up at several locations, including Collective Prevention Services (CPS) at the Vineyard Office Park Building, the Division of Labor Affairs at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center in Simpson Bay, Doctors’ offices, the Government Administration Building, and select pharmacies.
If you have a friend, parent, neighbor, or relative that may need assistance with registration, transportation, or emotional support, please do your part. 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.
