 The Ministry, through its national vaccination programme, has introduced a Pfizer booster dose, particularly for the most at-risk population group that is people 65 years and older, those living with underlined medical conditions and frontline workers. Assistant Principal Nursing Officer and Immunization Manager, Techha Shabatist, says the booster shot is critical with the advent of the Delta variant. St. Lucia has confirmed 31 cases of the Delta variant. What exactly is a booster, and why is it highly recommended for at-risk groups? It is an additional dose administered to a vaccinated population that has completed a primary vaccination series. The purpose of the booster is to increase the body's immune response to COVID-19, especially in the wake of the Delta variant. The COVID-19 vaccine booster dose will help extend the protection you gained from your first two doses and give you longer term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19. People 65 years and older should get a booster. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions. While the booster dose is recommended for the highest population, any person who had their two doses and require a booster dose can come forward for the booster dose. Vaccine uptake has been steady with the ministry, now facilitating greater public access to vaccination sites. As of Tuesday, November 2, 2021, administer the total of 51,539 first doses, 43,265 second doses, and 336 booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 23.3% of the population being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccination uptake trends knows the highest uptake in the 24 to 49 years age group followed by those 50 years and older. We continue to encourage younger persons to get vaccinated because COVID-19 can affect anyone regardless of age. As part of the Reviewed National Plan, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has undertaken a two-week accelerated COVID-19 vaccination drive, which commenced on Monday, October 25, 2021, making COVID-19 vaccines more available and accessible to the public. Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available at wellness centers and vaccination sites. The Ministry of Health is urging all St. Lucians to take this personal responsibility to protect themselves and loved ones.