MOH to Vaccinate up to 40% of Jamaicans Before Christmas

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, says the Ministry of Health and Wellness, (MOHW) is aiming to have 30% to 40% of Jamaicans receive “at least one dose” of a COVID-19 vaccine before the Christmas 2021 holiday.

Speaking at a COVID Conversations virtual press briefing on October 14, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said the vaccination of 30% to 40% of Jamaicans, will assist in the prevention of an increase in hospitalisations, this as the number of travellers tend to increase before and during the holiday season whether it is for shopping, visiting family members, among other things.

Though the Health Ministry has reported a decline in the number of cases, deaths, and hospitalisations, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said the current number of cases still significantly impact hospital services.

She noted that there is a dire need to get the cases numbers down to less than 200 cases to be in the safe zone, to avoid severe impact on other activities hospitals; such as Elective Admissions and Elective Surgeries, that were previously put on hold to accommodate patients hospitalised with the COVID-19 virus.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie noted that 80,000 of 120,000 persons who received the jab in August 2021 are due for their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

While urging Jamaicans to maintain strict adherence to social distancing measures, to prevent a spike in cases, the CMO also encouraged second dosers to get their jab as this she says, is the best way for citizens to protect themselves during the Christmas season and prevent severe illness due to the virus.