The US Provides Vaccinations to the Caribbean Islands 

In efforts to end the global pandemic, the White House has pledged to aid the Caribbean countries through COVAX. Approximately 6 million of those doses will be allocated to the Caribbean by the end of June.  

COVAX is the global effort to make COVID-19 vaccinations available worldwide to nations in need. In cooperation with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and WHO, COVAX will be the platform by which the US and other nations support the worldwide distributions regardless of a financial crisis.   

The US government hopes to accomplish the following lofty goals. 

1. Increase Global Coverage with improved supply and access to vaccinations. 
2. Prioritize Healthcare Workers and other individuals deemed at risk. 
3. Adequately Prepare for Surges utilizing best practice measures and health data. 
4. Assist Other Countries in the fight to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

These vaccinations are to be shared with the islands participating in halting the spread, those ready for the vaccine, and those in need. 

Thus far, the US has released they will be giving to the following Caribbean islands: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Haiti, and other CARICOM countries, and the Dominican Republic.This effort by the US government will serve as an example and encouragement to other nations to continue getting involved in helping stop the virus once and for all. Additionally, the hope is to be more prepared for future viruses and global crises by establishing an “everyone pitches in” attitude toward global health. 

Once all nations come together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in areas that may not have access to the funds to secure vaccinations, we have a fighting chance to make our way out of this pandemic. And the Caribbean islands are grateful for the assistance.  

CITED: GAVI.org, whitehouse.gov, thecaribbeannewsnow.com