Jamaica got 55,200 doses of vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca

Jamaica: At Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston 55,200 doses of vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca received by Jamaica which shows another delivery of vaccine from COVAX Facility.

The COVAX (COVID-19 Global Access) Facility co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi) and the World Health Organization (WHO) brings together governments, global health organizations, the private sector, civil society, philanthropy to provide innovative and manufacturers, scientists, equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. In the Americas, the PAHO Revolving Fund is the recognized procurement agent for the COVAX facility.

Jamaicans 50 years and above, JCF, JDF, Jamaica Fire Brigade, staff members from PICA, Jamaica Customs Agency, Department of Correctional Services and healthcare workers all have eligibility to be vaccinated based on the implementation plan. The arrival of new vaccines will be added to the pool of vaccines being used in the National Vaccination Implementation programme to vaccinate persons, who are due their second dose, and the persons who are in need to get vaccinated.

As of Friday, May 28, 2021, approximately 155,683 Jamaicans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 8% of the target population (1,924,759) while 22, 206 persons have received their second dose.

34,344 people have got their first shot of vaccine till now in New Providence, and out of them, only 7,051 people have been fully vaccinated. In Grand Bahamas, 6,796 people have got their 1st dose of vaccine, whereas only 1,602 people have been fully vaccinated. Total people who have got their first jab of vaccine are 46,378, and others are still awaiting the second dose required to become fully vaccinated in the entire Bahamas.

On 10 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed the first case in Jamaica, a female patient who arrived from the United Kingdom on 4 March.