Healthcare workers in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are now required to take COVID-19 boosters at five-month intervals.

This is according to a memorandum from the Ministry of Health dated August 5, 2022, which advised on the decision taken by Cabinet on July 27, 2022.

Healthcare workers, as defined in SR&O number 28 of 2021, are among groups of workers required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to maintain their jobs.

According to the memo, which was signed by Permanent Secretary Cuthbert Knights, the Cabinet decision outlines that these workers must receive boosters “in five-month intervals after the initial two-dose series of an approved vaccine, in order to be eligible for employment in the health sector”.

Several public sector workers, including teachers, nurses and police officers lost their jobs last November, after refusing to adhere to the government’s vaccine policy, which required certain workers to be vaccinated in order to maintain their posts.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, on July 28, announced “a new regime” which opened the door for teachers to reapply for teaching positions in time for the new school year, without being fully vaccinated.

However, under the new regime, 100 per cent vaccination is still required for new and existing healthcare workers to be employed.

Vaccination is also no longer required for employment in the police force, the port authority and the rest of the public service but masking, sanitisation, physical distancing and vaccine advocacy will continue.