 Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues on its mandate to ensure that the population is vaccinated for protection against the COVID-19 virus. As of Saturday 18 September 2021, 43,431 first doses and 29,146 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, seven months since the introduction of the vaccine to the population. 16.1% of the population has received the two recommended doses of the vaccine. The highest uptake of vaccines remains amongst the 50 years and older age group, followed by those 24 to 49 years. Tecla Jabatis is the Assistant Principal Nursing Officer and National Immunization Manager. Over the past weeks, the significant rise in reported cases and deaths is clearly a concern to us all. The burden on the health system is evident. It is important that every one of us plays our part in addressing this situation. Each one of us has a personal responsibility in the fight against this pandemic. We have noted unfavorable outcomes in persons of varying age groups and health profiles. Some vaccinated, whilst the significant majority were not. Our condolences to the families and loved ones of these individuals. From February 2021, when vaccines were introduced, until current, statistics show that unvaccinated persons account for 96.6% of hospitalizations. Jabatis says there is a significant number of persons who are partially vaccinated with only one dose of the vaccine. 1,843 persons, 4.2% of the total vaccinated in country, are overdue for the second dose of the vaccine. Partially vaccinated persons account for 2% of hospitalizations. Partially vaccinated persons account for 1.4% of hospitalizations. Unvaccinated persons account for 96.7% of deaths. Partially vaccinated persons account for 2% of deaths, whilst vaccinated persons account for 1.3% of deaths. Major batis reiterated that vaccines save lives as it reduces the risk of hospitalization and death.