Communities with Low Vax Rate and High Vulnerability

Data from the UWI-based Mona GeoInformatics Institute highlighted several communities deemed vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.

The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) in a recent study, profiled communities by rates of vaccination and distance from vaccinations sites to identify vulnerable communities spread across Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA), Clarendon, St. Catherine and St. James.

The findings suggest that vaccine availability is not an issue as some sites are within walking distance of certain communities.

Using this data, the Private Sector Vaccine Initiative (PSVI) has begun, targeting these vulnerable communities and observing how crime plays a role in vaccine take-up.

Some Kingston communities that are highly susceptible to COVID-19 infection but have low vaccination rates are Rema, Trench Town, and Delacree Pen. MGI Director Dr. Parris Lyew Ayee says indicators like these are most important to consider in the local vaccination efforts.

Private Sector Vaccine Initiative (PSVI) representative, Amashieka Lorne says pre-vaccination engagement is very important in boosting rates in vulnerable communities, as misinformation remains a common influence on hesitancy.