 The Ministry of Health and Wellness has noted that some countries in the European Union have suspended the use of a specific batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine distribution after reports of a rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who received it from that specific batch. A full investigation was carried out to determine whether there was a link between the vaccine and the disorder. In a report dated March 14, 2021, AstraZeneca has indicated that safeties of paramount importance and the company is continually monitoring the safety of its vaccine. After a review of all available safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and the UK with the COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or any blood clotting disorders in any defined age group, gender batch or in any particular country. In terms of quality, they indicated that there are no confirmed issues related to any batch of this vaccine used across Europe or the rest of the world. Additional testing continues both by the company and independently by European health authorities and none of these retests have shown cause for concern. According to the World Health Organization, WHO, they are aware that as a precautionary measure, a few countries in the European Union have suspended the use of the specific batch of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The WHO emphasizes on the need to note that the vaccine's benefits continue to outweigh its risk and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of the thromboembolic events is ongoing. WHO is also aware of a rare blood coagulation disorder in people who have received the vaccine from that particular batch and it is emphasized that vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce deaths from other causes. Deaths from other causes will continue to occur, including after vaccination, but generally unrelated. The World Health Organization Global Advisory Committee remains committed to systematically reviewing any vaccine's safety signals and concerns related to COVID-19 vaccine safety. The committee meets every two weeks to advise the WHO on any new safety signals and concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine. On March 12, 2021, the Caribbean Public Health Agency also issued a statement in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines. Reassuring member states that the Caribbean regulatory system applies its reliance procedure to verify vaccines with emergency use authorization granted by stringent regulatory authorities of reference. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has taken the position to continue the rollout of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, despite suspensions in some European countries, given the stringent safety procedures that have been put in place before final authorization is given and the results of the investigations thus far. The Ministry of Health assures the public that the decision made in regard to the COVID-19 vaccine is in the best interest of the population. The mobility and mortality with respect to COVID-19 far outweighs any minor effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. We will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates as received. The public is further reminded to ensure that all of their relatives 65 years and older and those with chronic conditions are registered at the nearest community wellness center to receive the vaccine. Let's keep our loved ones safe and protected.