The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs remains committed to ensuring that vaccines are readily available and accessible to all. The National Vaccination program will be offering the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine as an additional vaccine, giving individuals another option to choose from, especially those who have a genuine fear of needles. This is the opportunity to become fully vaccinated with only one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, within a short space of time, especially ahead of the festive season.

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine will be available as a single primary vaccination dose for individuals 18 years and older. It can be offered as a single booster, and is also authorized for use as a mix and match booster dose following the completion of a primary series with a different COVID-19 vaccine such as Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

The Janssen vaccine, like other WHO approved vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and review by the relevant regulatory authorities, and found to be safe for use. It is safe and effective at protecting people from the extremely serious risks of COVID-19; and can be administered to people with known medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease such as hypertension, chronic lung disease, cardiac disease, obesity and diabetes.

How effective is the vaccine? – A single dose was found to have an efficacy of 66.8% against symptomatic moderate and severe COVID-19 infection; and 28 days after inoculation, was found to be 85.4% against severe disease and 93.1% against hospitalization.

The most commonly reported side effects associated with the vaccine are pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea, which occur within 1 to 2 days following vaccination, and are mild to moderate, lasting 1 to 2 days.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs appeals to the public to get vaccinated. As the festive season approaches and with the Omicron Variant of concern, we must maintain and strengthen the public health measures that work – wearing a face mask, physical distancing, hand washing, respiratory and cough hygiene, avoiding crowds and ensuring good ventilation.

Saint Lucia’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage, as at Tuesday December 7, 2021 stands at 26.2% fully vaccinated. 4.1% are partially vaccinated. Individuals who are due for their second dose are encouraged to do so – Do not risk becoming infected with COVID-19 and its complications – Ensure your protection – Do not hesitate – Vaccinate.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.