Talks of COVID-19 Vaccines Have Some Jamaicans Skeptical

COVID-19 Vaccines: Globally, the race continues in developing a vaccine against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization is now tracking more than 170 candidate vaccines. The development and approval process for vaccines normally requires years of testing; and time to build up production volume. Although widespread vaccinations are not expected until mid-2021, Jamaicans are becoming increasingly skeptical about getting the vaccine once it becomes available.

According to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Jamaica is apart of a global initiative that is committed to or will be eligible to receive any licensed and approved vaccines for COVID-19. This through an allocation plan by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a global access facility known as COVAX.

But according to WHO’s updated list of countries, Jamaica actually submitted what was described as ‘a non-binding confirmation of intent to participate.’ Nonetheless, Jamaicans are already refusing vaccination for the virus.

One citizen said, “no, I wouldn’t take it because I’m not sure if it’s safe to be taken.”

In the meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness is seeking to dispel the rumors of a vaccine being tested in Jamaica. In addition, he says that when a vaccine is developed, it will not be compulsory. Holness advises that the Ministry Of Health and Wellness will embark upon a high-level public education campaign to get people to understand the risks.  

The aim of the COVAX facility is to deliver two billion doses of safe and effective vaccines globally by the end of 2021.

Robian Williams has this story for CVM LIVE: