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Benefits of COVID-19 jab far outweigh the side effects - Dr Pickering

- says he is 'begging' Virgin Islanders to get vaccinated against the virus
Calling the local AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine an ultimate weapon against the pandemic in the Virgin Islands (VI), Medical Doctor and former Deputy Premier, Dr Kedrick. D. Pickering has urged Virgin Islanders to get vaccinated. Photo: Facebook
Dr Kedrick D. Pickering appeared as a guest on the Sunday, April 4, 2021, edition of Real Talk with Karia J. Christopher on Flow Television and broadcasted online. Photo: Facebook
Dr Kedrick D. Pickering appeared as a guest on the Sunday, April 4, 2021, edition of Real Talk with Karia J. Christopher on Flow Television and broadcasted online. Photo: Facebook
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has urged Virgin Islanders to get vaccinated so the Virgin Islands can achieve herd immunity and move to a pre-COVID-19 era. Photo: Facebook.
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has urged Virgin Islanders to get vaccinated so the Virgin Islands can achieve herd immunity and move to a pre-COVID-19 era. Photo: Facebook.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Calling the local AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine an ultimate weapon against the pandemic in the Virgin Islands (VI), Medical Doctor and former Deputy Premier and 7th District Representative, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering has urged Virgin Islanders to get vaccinated.

Dr Pickering made the comments during the Sunday, April 4, 2021, edition of Real Talk with Karia J. Christopher on Flow Television and broadcasted online.

Pandemic continues to devastate the world 

Pointing to devastation in places like Brazil where millions have been infected and thousands dead as a result of the ongoing pandemic, Dr Pickering said vaccination remains the ultimate tool.

“Brazil right now is in the midst of a major health crisis facing that country… Jamaica in the Caribbean is also facing some major challenges,” he said.

Jamaica has had more than 41 thousand confirmed cases and over 600 deaths.

“What is important to understand in the context of this particular situation that we find ourselves in this pandemic that is caused by the virus COVID-19, our only weapon against this virus is vaccination.”

He said to become vaccinated is to prevent severe illness and that is not to be confused with what treatment modalities are available.

Prevention is better than cure - Dr Pickering 

“I’ve said in other forums when speaking… it is one of those situations where an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. You do not want to get COVID-19, because the results of that illness are unpredictable… it could end in death,” he said.

He said the long-term consequences of getting infected is great, as such, the vaccine will help overcome those consequences.

Meanwhile, Dr Pickering said persons in the VI should also understand the strides made with regards to fighting the pandemic locally, as just about a year ago the territory was under lockdown.

Dr Pickering said as of now he, along with several colleagues, has embarked on a personal campaign to encourage and beg persons to get vaccinated, which he said is in their best interest.

According to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), in a COVID-19 update on April 5, 2021, 70 percent to 80 percent of the VI being vaccinated and attaining herd immunity will make the difference for the territory.

He said so far some 8246 first doses have been administered, with 6971 on Tortola, 1118 on Virgin Gorda, 68 on Jost van Dyke and 89 on Anegada.

40 Responses to “Benefits of COVID-19 jab far outweigh the side effects - Dr Pickering”

  • wow (06/04/2021, 16:11) Like (15) Dislike (25) Reply
    After 20 years of doing nothing but sucking up to the white man I am happy he has become useful
    • @SMH (08/04/2021, 19:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Anything the white man promote he promotes. That man has been hypnotized for years.... Watch the company you keep!
  • @ just ASKING (06/04/2021, 16:19) Like (35) Dislike (12) Reply
    WELL IF IT AIN'T THE MOUTH CHAMP AGAIN / I THOUGHT BY NOW WE WOULD OF HAD OUR AGRICULTURE GOING AND SUPPLYING SOME HEALTY HOME GROWN FOOD FOR OUR PEOPLE / ( WHAT HAPPEN BRO ? ) SOME OF YOU JOKERS ARE ONLY DOCTORS ON COMPUTERS WITH A LICENSE TO PRESCRIBE MEDICATION TO INNOCENT PATIENTS AND NONE OF YOU TELLING THE PEOPLE OF THE AMOUNT BOF SIDE EFFECTS THAT COMES WITH THESE MEDICATIONS AND NOW YOU TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT TAKING THE SO CALLED VACCINE AND HOW IT OUTWEIGHS THE SIDE EFFECTS
    • Agreed!!!! (08/04/2021, 13:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ --@ just ASKING.... I totally agree with you... they are strong on taken this vaccine and and how its the ultimate weapon against the pandemic but they really ain't talking about these medz that's just out to appear to cure one problem and create a next..( that's the real issue) why don't he promote "OUR AGRICULTURE AND ITS NATURAL HOME GROWN FOOD FOR OUR PEOPLE.... (That's the real weapon) We starting to trust humans more than we trust GOD and he's a jealous GOD........
  • The Boss. U all take the ting.. (06/04/2021, 16:38) Like (22) Dislike (27) Reply
    Get your vaccine please, dont get caught up in contact tracing and allow your boss business to get shut down, or else you wont have a Job....Nothing is wrong with the Vaccine I was one that said I aint taking no vaccine, but after my boss explain to me the likely hood of a staff member been in contact with a positive person and contact tracing can cause him to shut the office down for 2 weeks close operations I decided to get it I had it like a week now, aint feel nothing no side effects nothing....
    • @The Boss U All Take The Thing (07/04/2021, 08:55) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Which man made vaccine out there that is already made n can prevent corona virus?? Any vaccine thay is taken should not cause any death if so then why take it for??
    • coughing (07/04/2021, 12:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well I am happy for you "Employee of the Year" you deserve an increase in your salary. "CLAP" "CLAP" "CLAP"
  • thank you (06/04/2021, 16:51) Like (16) Dislike (21) Reply
    Thank you Dr. Pickering!
  • Stop It (06/04/2021, 17:22) Like (78) Dislike (11) Reply
    Everyone’s body is different point blank period.

    People going on and on making it seem by their having little to no side effects means others would have the same reaction. NO IT DOES NOT.

    Many silently experienced severe side effects and said nothing publicly.

    If you don’t eat meat, fish, pork, cheese, eggs, peanuts, etc for personal reasons or because it negatively affects you, you wouldn’t want someone telling you they eat them just fine and nothing happens would happen to you.

    People out there looking ridiculous on social media trying to subliminally force and intimidate others into getting this roller coaster vaccine that can’t even decide what name to call itself (now having the new name Vaxzevria.

    STOP IT!!
  • Get vaccinated (06/04/2021, 17:30) Like (19) Dislike (33) Reply
    The faster the community gets vaccinated the faster the borders can reopen and the economy recover. It really is that simple.

    • @Get vaccinated (07/04/2021, 08:59) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      Controlling the world population them same vaccines going start to kick in as soon as them expiration date up..I Fear No Virus If So Then I Should Fear HIV Aids and alot out here doing unptotected sex but yet ayo fraid virus can't be..setta lies round n round
  • cay (06/04/2021, 17:46) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    Sell out trying to be relevant
  • @ THANK YOU (06/04/2021, 18:06) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    YEAH HE SAVED MY LIFE
  • @ Stop it (06/04/2021, 18:38) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    I CONCUR!!!!!!
  • Published Today (06/04/2021, 18:39) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    Covid: Child jabs halted in trial as adult clot link probed

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-56656356
  • @ RUBBER DUCK (06/04/2021, 19:05) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    SO YOU ( DUCKING ) AND THROWING BIG WORDS NOW / ACCORDING TO THE
    JAMAICANS ( E NAH GO WURK )
  • hello! (06/04/2021, 19:59) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Please sir, why are we up in arms about a virus that has only a 1.4% fatality rate? That means 98.6% of all cases on earth fully recover!!! Please, i am not against vaccinations when it is supported by math and science...... but for god's sake....... the media is not obligated to tell us the truth. People need to start paying closer attention to the statistics and not just the ones that support why we should get it but also why its not something to hold the world hostage on. What if we were to show the numbers for the common cold or some other illness that isnt getting the spot light?
    • @hello! (07/04/2021, 09:27) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      1.4% FATALITY rate. So approximately 3 people in every 200 will DIE. In a community of 30,000 people that is 450 people. In a community of 30,000 where we are all so connected you are happy in the knowledge that 450 people around you could die.... when we could all get vaccinated and remove that chance completely. COMPLETELY - because YES the ASTRAZENECA has proved 100% effective against death from COVID19. ALSO.... for the 'blood clots' in the corner.... The European Medical Agency has studied data from all over the world and found a 0.00001% chance of someone developing clots after having the astra zeneca vaccine - of those who develop them, less than 1/3 have been fatal, so that is a 0.000003% chance of fatality from the vaccine.... Compare that to 1.4%.
      • hello! (07/04/2021, 16:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Your numbers are waaay off in left field as the 1.4% is a percentage against the millions who tested positive..... what you say only makes sense by assuming all 30000 people first are infected....then 1.4% of 30000 which is 420 people will die.......you need to stay very far away from math and keep ur mouth shut..... you really think all 30000 of us will get infected? Come again....... the fatality rate for us will be much more like ur "0.000003%" if it is applied to our population.
        • @hello! (07/04/2021, 17:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          So what would that make the likelihood of us dying from blood clots from the vaccine?
  • Boss (06/04/2021, 20:33) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    One life is more valuable than any amount of money in this world .....
  • Bill money (06/04/2021, 21:03) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Bill spending that money...one new next white friend
  • i wanna know (06/04/2021, 21:37) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Would he have said this if the vaccine was made from shark oil???
    • Too much CNN. Try Asian Cuban news. (07/04/2021, 05:58) Like (13) Dislike (25) Reply
      I think we watching too much CNN news. CNN is Bill Gates News that drives Bill Gates agenda, "Put fear in the people enough fear in the people that will drive them to the Vaccine Line, its all amt money, no reasoning...Try listening to the Asian, or Cuban news.. Cuba is about to get their own developed Vaccine approved and its a 2 or 3 dose shot, all Cubans 12 to 80 yrs are required to take it..The Scientist who was speaking on the issue of the Vaccine was basically saying the vaccine is a control dose of Vitamin D, he said research shows that vitamin D weakened the virus rendering it useless and harmless, hence the reason for 2 and 3 doses, cant put too much of this Vitamin D in the body at one time,...This information when I heard it I said this Doc is saying things he shouldn't say,,,there is a secret code he is breaking,, they dont want us to know these things becuse we can get our own vitamin D, , and stop the vaccine makers from making billions, which is their main Goal, making money,,,However, he stated remember the key Wordz " A control measured effective amt of Vitamin D" that each vaccine shot contains" . I was a hater of the vaccine and after hearing this I took it,, I am feeling Fine no pain, no side effects,,,, If some doses have eccessive amt of vitamin D, hence the side effects can occur, Reason why they extended the time for the second dose allow the first dose to do it work, then the second dose is apply so the balance can be maintain and there in not excessive amt of vitamin D in the body,, , They are only forcing things on us without reasoning to us and explaining to us. And our blind bat leadrrs are not demanding explanations they only going along blindly. Thanks to the Cubans.
  • wow (06/04/2021, 22:20) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    why it seems like vaccinated people are extra sensitive and scared?
    • @why,!!! (07/04/2021, 08:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hmmm u think them that puching the vaccine got two head and the ones others who holding got one ...we are that thinks for our self...
  • @ THE BOSS (06/04/2021, 23:03) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    YOU COULD BE DETERIORATING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND IF YOU NOTICED HE AINT MENTIONING WHAT THE SIDE EFFECTS ARE AND WHATS TO COME LATER AS THE PROCESS GOES ALONG / I HOPE YOU WILL , YOUR HONOR
  • well first of all (06/04/2021, 23:11) Like (45) Dislike (8) Reply
    ...remember when they were saying there really is no major side effects now people catching on that that isn't true the benefits outweigh the risks.hmmmmm
  • Iwalanji I (07/04/2021, 00:25) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Believe I, when I say dis is a sign of Babylon. Rastafari nah gon get no jab. Only the medicine of the sweet herb of the earth, tobacco, shall be the only vaccine to free I man from the chains of covid. Emperor Selassie I say- pray to the dead to help the living, eat pon the flesh of the swine to scare away the bad spirits. Believe in Rastafari and you shall be cured.
    • Fools for the I (07/04/2021, 08:02) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      The dead cannot help the living... You pray to what you know not. The root of david is alive.. pray to him and not the corruptible dead selassie.. Who claims to be of sheba and solomon...Did solomon ever acknowledge such a child??.. So why are you?.. There is no promise in salassie a fre3m@...Yall don’t get it do you.. Yah not into that man.
  • Norris Turnbull (07/04/2021, 06:35) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    "our only weapon against this virus is vaccination.”
    Nah Dr. God IS the ONLY WEAPON against ths virus.
  • wd (07/04/2021, 07:57) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    @Iwalanji I, It sounds like the virus already eat your brain.
  • LilyAnn (07/04/2021, 08:05) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    They only forcing vaccine on us because they dont want the stack get expired !!!!
  • @fool forcthe i (07/04/2021, 08:58) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hmmm many are call few is chosen.......that all I go say ....
  • Another reason (07/04/2021, 09:05) Like (0) Dislike (31) Reply
    Adding this to the long list of reasons why you should get vaccinated- https://www.bbc.com/news/health-56650125
  • This (07/04/2021, 09:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Things is not of vaccinated any one of any ones other interest of vaccine...look wat going on around our community. Country nation of people....that what it about rigth in front faces going on notice with there true intention....putting us as a people rigth back in slavery mentality. Economically undermined control to be more control by them ...and the same laws used and being made new to to use on us ....there plans it not no magical secret of wat to happen for us to see it happening rigth in front us now ... prices going ...jobs going down as well as pay ..etc is the means of destroying us putting us back not just 20 years but look at our delima this be like one hundred years the way it going economically....
  • FEO GOMEZ (07/04/2021, 14:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This coming from a half immigrant whose medical profession is in the pums smh. You going tell me bout benefits of vaccine? Umm please stick to OB and vagina health big man smh.


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