Numbers are Up as Belizeans Turn Out for COVID Vaccine

Melissa Diaz-Musa

While it seems that there were indeed lines at vaccine centers today, the Deputy Regional Manager for the Central Health Region, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa gave News Five some numbers for comparison.  She says although people have been coming in steadily for their vaccinations under the phased system which begun in March, this week there has been a marked increase.

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Deputy Regional Manager, Central Health Region

“In the Belize District we would usually give about four hundred to five hundred doses of vaccines daily; we have noticed a shift to about seven hundred to eight hundred doses, so we do know that people are coming in. Especially today, we have noticed a significant increase in persons coming to get the COVID-19 vaccination.”

Karla Heusner

“Would you say that is due to the launch push yesterday or are people afraid of the Delta, or…? What do you think is causing today’s spike?”

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa

“Well, I think it’s a combination of things. When we originally started the campaign it was mainly geared to health care workers and persons over sixty, and persons with special conditions. We felt that that was successful. But we do know that human nature, and in many instances people wait to see the reactions, they don’t necessarily want to be among the first groups of people who have gotten the vaccine. And I think that as the weeks have gone by, and more and more people are coming in persons who are waiting and watching, or persons who have some hesitancy, some of these fears have been abated. By seeing the number of people coming in.”

Karla Heusner

“Are you seeing a difference in second dose? I mean, are people coming for that?”

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa

“Yes, yes. The second dose, we have been very successful. A lot of people who come in for the first dose are now coming in for the second dose. Remember, there are a slight.. there is a three month… Initially we were given twelve weeks for the second dose. We are now encouraging people to come in between eight and twelve weeks. Especially for our front line persons, high risk persons, once you have passed eight weeks from your first dose, please come in to get your second dose.”

If you are planning to go to one of the vaccine centers in your area, be sure to bring some form of identification with you. The centers are open from eight a.m. to four p.m.