Published: 15 March 2021 CAY HILL:--- On Monday, March 15th, the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) began the second round of its COVID-19 vaccination drive. The drive, which includes staff from SMMC, the Ambulance Department, CPS, St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS), and Cay Hill Pharmacy, aims to vaccinate healthcare workers to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19, safeguarding and ensuring the continuity of care within the hospital and at other healthcare institutions. SMMC began vaccinations on Monday, February 22nd, and has vaccinated approximately 480 persons to date, with more registering every day. SMMC is also proud to announce that a number of departments within the hospital, including the Medical Specialists, Emergency Room Department, and the Operating Room have a 90% or higher vaccination rate. Among the staff vaccinated, only mild side-effects were observed such as soreness at the injection site and fatigue, which typically subsided in 24 hours.