Covid-19 vaccines may be made available in several select ports in the US for administering to foreign seafarers on vessels, the Standard P&I Club informed, citing information by several more third-party medical service providers.
The update follows last month’s reports that US federal health regulators lifted a recommended pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson or Janssen (J&J) single-shot Covid-19 vaccine.
It is now said that certain ports in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and California will have the J&J vaccine available for those purposes on select dates in the coming weeks.
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Last week, the Club reported that if operators are approached about offering the vaccine to crew during US port calls, they should consult the fact sheets published by the vaccine manufacturers and approved by the US FDA and CDC. The fact sheets contain information for recipients and caregivers including the existence and duration of potential side effects.
Members may want to ensure that crewmembers wishing to be vaccinated review this information before receiving the vaccine.
As previously reported, the availability of a vaccine for foreign seafarers in the US depends on local requirements and continues to develop. Local requirements will also impact the practical arrangements associated with implementing a vaccination program during a US port call including whether the vaccine must be administered onboard or can be administered at an off-site location.
Members are encouraged to liaise with local port agents and local medical service providers as well as usual club contacts for up-to-date information,
…the Club advised with this respect.
Operators should also review the guidance published by industry bodies regarding the legal and insurance issues arising from vaccination of seafarers.