Private Sector to Incentivise Vaccination Drive

As Jamaica sees another spike in COVID-19 cases, the Health for Life and Wellness Foundation seeks to collaborate with private sector companies to promote the need for more Jamaicans to get vaccinated.

Speaking at a virtual COVID-19 Conversations press conference on Thursday, August 12, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Hon. Christopher Tufton said he has discussed with his team and external stakeholders, including the foundation led by Courtney Cephas, and has reached out to traditional partners in the private sector to see what can be done in regards to incentivising the take-up of vaccines.

“Now you would have heard in some countries where persons are given money and land, fast food and quick service meal tickets and all that. The principle is similar, we don’t have any money or land to give but, we do think that some private sector companies can offer a voucher towards purchasing your next weekly grocery, a voucher that may go towards fueling a car gas voucher,” he said.

Minister Tufton notified that the Ministry is in communication with a few companies who have shown an interest in the collaboration.

He urged other companies to support the initiative to aid in the restoration of economic activity, the health of the country, and the health of their business. The Minister prompted them to not just commit to getting your employees to take the vaccine but also importantly, where they can, be a part of this incentivisation.