Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George on Friday indicated that “at this phase” the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary, however under the Public Health Act, “it can be made mandatory.” Per data from the Ministry of Health, as of March 11 2021, 14708 individuals have received the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine in Saint Lucia. In the weeks ahead, officials will continue to administer the vaccine in various communities around the country.
During an appearance on Timothy Poleon’s Newsspin programme on Friday, the CMO was quizzed on the government’s vaccine policy. “At this phase, the policy of the government is that the vaccine be voluntary,” she said. “So we respect that persons have a choice as to whether they take it or not.”
The CMO stated that what officials do is to provide skeptics with accurate, updated information so that they can make an informed decision. She stressed that employers should not force their employees to take the jab. “I think they [employers] need to encourage them [employees], provide information…But the business sector should not try to mandate it or force it as the country’s policy is that it’s voluntary. So it shouldn’t be forced upon an employee.”
The CMO said that it is just a matter of time before airlines make proof of vaccination a requirement for travel. She also noted that in some countries, proof of vaccination is a requirement to participate in certain activities. “We have not looked at that as yet but at this phase, we have kept it voluntary, giving persons the option…and we ask for employers to also respect that.”
Can it be made mandatory?
“Under the Public Health Act, it is possible,” said the CMO. “Because if there is a threat of human life and disease, under the Public Health Act, it can be made mandatory.”
She added: “At this phase, we have chosen not to, but if the uptake is not where we are in terms of getting herd immunity, it is one of the things that can be done. And please don’t misquote me, I’m not saying that we are doing it, I’m just saying if it needs to be done, it is one of the things we can do under the Public Health Act— as with some of our other vaccines that we have it mandated, for you to come to school as a child.”
