The Ministry of Health has been advised by the Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAG) to start administering a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
For people with an increased risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 infection (people with comorbid conditions or underlying diseases and/or an age above 60 years), a fourth dose is recommended from four to six months after the last dose unless these people have had a proven infection during the stated period.
It is generally believed that the protection of three doses of vaccine will gradually decrease over time, but it is not yet established whether this phenomenon increases the risk of serious symptoms. Without prejudice to the general population, improving vaccination coverage offers the best guarantees to minimize hospitalization and death from COVID-19 infections in society.
There is now a very large amount of vaccines available in Suriname and everyone is advised to take the fourth covid shot if the conditions mentioned above are met. This may also be administered to migrants who request a fourth dose on the basis of the guidelines applicable in their country of origin.
The NITAG would like to reiterate that the motivation of the part of the population that has not yet been vaccinated to do so should have the highest priority.
Finally, it is indicated that vaccination is available at both the Public Health Office (BOG) and various RGD clinics. The specific information can be obtained via the Facebook page of the BOG and the Ministry of Health.