Belize has another 117,000 thousand vaccines - to add to its current stockpile of more than a quarter million jabs. This time it's Pfizer - after another batch of 117,000 doses arrived today at the PGIA, a donation from the US Government.
Pfizer - which is considered the gold standard in the US - has been cleared for use for those between the ages of 12 and 17 - and in Belize about 30 thousand persons in that age range have gotten at least one shot.
Interestingly Pfizer was cleared on Monday of the week in the United States for emergency use in children aged 5 to 11. They are eligible to receive one-third of the adult dose, with two injections three weeks apart.
There is no word from the Ministry of Health and Wellness if they will also authorize its use for that age group in Belize. But, if they do plan to do so, it would be to resume in-class teaching for all ages in January - which would necessitate a rapid deployment campaign.
In a comment cited in an official release, Health Minister Michel Chebat would only say, quote, "this additional shipment of vaccines will help us to continue to reach the furthest regions of our country." End quote.
