Jamaica reported its highest uptake of COVID-19 vaccines over the weekend, with over 30,000 Jamaicans getting vaccinated at the island’s vaccination blitz sites.
The Health and Wellness Ministry says the preliminary numbers show that just under 31,000 people came out over the weekend to get the shot at the mass vaccine drives, set up by the government. The island was still under a weekend lockdown, but the government had allowed those who wanted to get vaccinated, to do so.
Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, says some 18,345 Jamaicans received their first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine on Sunday. That is in addition to the 12,488 people who were vaccinated on Saturday.
“This is a great example of partnership and it’s an important example of partnership for a common cause. I’m heartened by the numbers I see and I feel very proud to be the minister of health,” Dr. Tufton said while addressing a vaccination drive at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Westmoreland.
The ministry said it is looking to administer some 50,000 vaccinations between April 9th and April 13th. Up to April 7, over 47,000 residents had received their first dose of the vaccine.
Targeted are persons aged 40 years and over, teachers, media personnel, immigration workers, firefighters, employees at the Department of Correctional Services, tourism workers, and those in the priority groups, who were previously called upon to become vaccinated.
In an effort not to waste any vaccine doses, the ministry has also allowed residents outside of the aforementioned categories to get the vaccine without an appointment.
