A new process for walk-in vaccinations has been put in place by the Health Ministry, after thousands of people, many of them elderly, turned up across 36 healthcare centres this morning, hoping to receive their Covid-19 shots.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has apologized for the mishap as several people had to be dispersed by police, saying his Ministry underestimated the demand for vaccination.

As a result, walk-in vaccinations will now be done in alphabetical order, starting with those bearing surnames from A-E tomorrow. It will also be carried out only for people over the age of 60, in groups of 5.

Minister Deyalsingh also noted that several young, healthy people (without NCDs) were among those lined up for vaccine shots today, even though they are not eligible for vaccination in this phase.  He urged this group to stay away from vaccination sites as walk-ins continue, promising that “your turn will come”.