The anti-COVID vaccination campaign started in Mauritius on the 22nd of January. How are the sanitary authorities going about this and what does it mean for our borders?
100, 000 doses of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine have been gifted to Mauritius by India. The Mauritian authorities have received the doses on the 22nd of january.
Who are the first to get vaccinated?
Because the AstraZeneca vaccine is administered in two doses, only 50,000 people will be vaccinated initially. The authorities have decided to give priority to frontliners, that is, those who are the most exposed because of their profession. Nurses, doctors, police officers, flight crew and paramedics will be the first to receive the vaccine. As of today, just under 500 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Mauritius. Vaccinations take place in the island's five hospitals.
It should be noted that there have been several nurses and policemen who could be refusing the vaccine shot. Why? Too little information about side effects. The country's health authorities, however, that there is no risk.
Will Maurice more doses?
In addition to the gift from India, the Mauritian authorities have also already paid for 240,000 additional doses. The provision of these additional doses is ensured by Mauritius's membership of the Gavi Alliance, an organization which campaigns for accessibility to vaccines for children in developing countries. However, it is not yet clear when these doses will be delivered.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
At this time, if you haven't been called for a vaccine, no. It is unclear when access to the vaccine will be liberalized across the world. In Mauritius, the 240,000 doses that will soon be received will also be reserved for frontliners as well as individuals at risk.
What does vaccination mean for the borders?
The Mauritian government has not yet decided on reopening the borders without quarantine. However, the local Mauritian press maintains that since several countries have started vaccination campaigns, this is a possibility the authorities are considering. It may be that only vaccinated visitors will be allowed to re-enter without having to go through quarantine, at least until the country has achieved collective immunity.
