At least 600,000 to 700,000 of Trinidad and Tobago’s population of 1.3 million people must be administered the Covid-19 vaccine in order for government to move towards border reopening. 

This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley during Friday’s sitting of the House of Representatives. 

“Madame Speaker, what we looking at is getting to a level of vaccinating…approximately 600-700 thousand because that would mean we are in the order of at least 60 or 75% and the biology will tell us that is where we are in the range of herd immunity,” PM Rowley said as he responded to a question from the Opposition. 

He noted, however, that it is important that people are open to getting the vaccine once the rollout program begins. 

“Having the vaccines is one thing, getting it into people’s arms voluntarily is another thing…I trust that in Trinidad and Tobago, when we get our vaccines there will be a high acceptability…” he said. 

T&T is expected to receive its first tranch of the Astra-Zeneca vaccines from the Covax facility this month, with 33,600 doses expected in the inital shipment. 

The balance of the 100,800 purchased will arrive by late April, early May, “all things being equal”according to Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh. 

A pre-order has also been made for 226,000 doses through the African Medical Supplies Platform.  

The PM says Trinidad and Tobago will, at no time, consider purchasing vaccines not approved by the World Health Organization.

Regarding the prospect of receiving free vaccines from the Indian government through that country’s donation program, PM Rowley said there was no update on the matter.