The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated their guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination based on recommendations from the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization.

The update measures include that any WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine may be used as a booster dose for another COVID-19 vaccine. For example, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine may be used as a booster for persons who have received 2 doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.

According to their findings, persons who received 2 doses of any combination of WHO approved COVID-19 vaccines with a 2-dose regimen will now be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receipt of the final dose. Persons who received a single dose of a Johnson & Johnson vaccine will continue to be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receipt of the vaccine.

The current vaccine protocols for Trinidad and Tobago are expected to be revised immediately in accordance with these updated WHO guidelines. These changes will therefore be reflected in the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine combinations which are accepted for both the TT Safe Zone initiative and for entry into Trinidad and Tobago.