MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands announces Covid-19 vaccination program beginning 8 February and for everybody over 50

FIG welcomed the delivery of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday

As the first batch of Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines have arrived in the Falkland Islands, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) announced it will start the Covid-19 vaccination programme on 8 February. “We plan to administer the first dose for eligible people in a mass vaccination program at the FIDF Hall, with visits out to West Falkland and the Outer Islands. If you live in Camp on East Falkland it would be very helpful if you could travel into Stanley as we will happily vaccinate you whenever you arrive and when the vaccination centre is open,” FIG said on Wednesday in a Press Release.

The goverment of the islands is planning to vaccinate everyone over the age of 50 in this first phase of vaccinations. Under 50 will not be offered a vaccination at this stage unless those “at risk” occupation or have significant underlying health conditions. Everyone who is under 50 and who is being invited for vaccination at this time will receive a letter with which the patiend may bring with him the day of the vaccination.

FIG's Press Statement continues as follows:

What should I expect on the day?

”We are asking people to attend in age related groups – see below for timings. If you already have contact with the Community Support Team (CST), or are aged 90 or over, then we are not expecting you to come to the FIDF Hall for vaccination. Instead, the Community Support Team will contact you with the date, time and location of your vaccination.

“For those being vaccinated at the FIDF Hall, entry to the vaccination centre will be via the north doors into the FIDF Club. Here you will be given some paperwork to read and a consent form to sign, so please bring your reading glasses if needed. You will be able to ask questions, but could also help us by looking at the FIG vaccination questions and answers in advance as your query may well have already been answered there. Please find these online by visiting: https://fig.gov.fk/covid-19/vaccinations/vaccine-faq

”Having completed the paperwork, you will be taken into the FIDF Hall where we will have multiple vaccination stations set up. You will be vaccinated by one of the healthcare team, who has undergone appropriate training, and then asked to wait for 15 minutes of observation afterwards. There will be marshals guiding you at each stage of the process.

“We will complete the vaccine details on your signed consent form, which will have your vaccination card affixed to it, and we will file both of these ready for completion when you have your second dose. After you receive your second dose, you will be given your completed vaccination card and it will be your responsibility to keep it in a safe place.

What is the plan for residents in Camp?

”We are relying on East Falklands residents to come to Stanley for vaccination and these residents can come at any point during the five days that the vaccination centre is open.

”FIGAS is assisting us with delivering our vaccination programme on the West and Outer Islands (weather permitting). We have already contacted most West Falklands residents to see which major centre they are able to attend. To allow visits to be as efficient as possible, vaccinations at the Outer Islands will be administered at airstrips.

What if I live and work at Mount Pleasant?

“Mount Pleasant will have its own vaccination program, to be announced in due course.

What can I expect after I have my vaccination?

”Some people have a sore arm and experience slight flu-like symptoms for 24 hours following the vaccine. If this is the case then you can take paracetamol. If you feel more unwell or are concerned then you can phone KEMH on 28000 for further advice.

What happens if I cannot attend my vaccination as I am unwell or in quarantine?

“If you are unwell at the time you are due for your vaccination, you are not expected to turn up; you can come at another time that works for you. If you are in quarantine or unwell all week then we will be arranging some catch up vaccination slots, in batches of 10, after the main vaccination week. Please contact KEMH reception on 28000 if this applies to you.

What happens if I am on the West or on an island, rather than in Stanley for my vaccine?

”If you look at the timings below and realise you will be on the West or the Outer Islands then please get in touch on 28036 (or 28000 and leave your details) and we can see if it would be better to arrange to vaccinate you at a different location.

When will I have my second dose?

“As you may be aware, vaccine supplies are a precious resource worldwide. However, we hope to be in a position to give everyone a second dose of vaccine after 5- 6 weeks by running a similar week-long programme. This will then mean that everyone in the first phase of the vaccination programme will have been fully immunised.

What happens if I leave the Falklands before the second dose?

”If you know you will be leaving the Falklands before the second dose, we will only vaccinate you if you stand a realistic chance of being vaccinated at your next destination within 12 weeks of the first dose. If going to the UK this means you would need to be over 70 or have significant underlying health conditions. We are happy to discuss this on an individual basis.

Can I have the vaccine if I am just visiting the Falklands?

”If you are in one of our eligible groups and anticipate being here for the first and second doses you will be offered a vaccination, whether or not you are ordinarily resident here.
Timings for West Falklands and the Outer Islands (all times shown are TBC on the day).”

Tuesday 9 February

Bleaker Island 9am
Sea Lion Island 9:50am
Fox Bay 10:40am

Wednesday 10 February

Pebble Island 9:10am
Saunders Island 9:50am
Carcass Island 10:40am
West Point Island 11:15am
Hill Cove 11:45am
Port Howard 2pm

Thursday 11 February

Speedwell/George Island 9:10am
Weddell Island 10:10am
New Island 10:50am

Timings for FIDF Hall, Stanley

Anyone travelling from Camp on East Falkland who is unable to attend at the time they would fit into is welcome to come to the centre during any of these sessions.

Monday 8 February

80 – 89-year olds (unless already known to the CST): 10am-11am
75 – 79-year olds (unless already known to the CST): 11am-12:30pm
70 – 74-year olds (unless already known to the CST): 2pm-4pm

Tuesday 9 February

65 – 69-year olds: 9am-11:30am
60 – 64-year olds: 1pm-4pm

Wednesday 10 February

Under 50-year olds with medical conditions: 9am-11:30am
56 – 59-year olds: 1pm – 4pm

Thursday 11 February

50 – 55-year olds, surname starting A-H inclusive: 9am-11:30am
50 – 55-year olds, surname starting I-Z inclusive: 1pm-4pm

Friday 12 February

Under 50-year olds with a qualifying occupation/identified carers: 9am-11:30am