Health Minister Clarifies Mixing Of Vaccines

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh is seeking to clarify what combination of vaccines would be accepted for entry into this country, as a vaccinated person. His statement comes after several nationals who recently returned from Canada were given the Pfizer vaccine as a first dose, and the Moderna shot as a second dose, due to shortages in that country. But Mr Deyalsingh reminds us that only one combination of vaccines, which is approved by the WHO, will be accepted for entry as a vaccinated person. The Minister says every country can make its own decision, but T&T continues to follow protocols according to the WHO. For people who received that Pfizer and Moderna vaccine as a combination, Mr Deyalsingh says they would have to consult their physician to see whether they would be able to take another shot to be considered a fully vaccinated person locally. The World Health Organization updated its recommendation on the mixing of vaccines on June 15th. Minister Deyalsingh says Trinidad and Tobago have to be careful in following the bandwagon in the mixing of vaccines without evidence or authorisation since doing so can increase the level of side effects experienced.