Dr. Guy: Opposition Calls for Vaccination Czar

As Jamaica grapples with low vaccine take-up and delayed arrival of Pfizer doses, the Opposition is again calling for the appointment of a vaccination Czar to manage the process. This as they believe there is a need for transparency and a centralized body to oversee the Government’s vaccination programme.

Dr. Morais Guy says the recent debacle with the vaccination programme, particularly involving the Pfizer vaccine, points to an absence of overarching of responsibility, noting the importance of a vaccination Czar. Dr. Guy says the dilemma has worsened as many persons awaiting their second dose are now in limbo, creating a risk for further vaccine hesitancy.

On Thursday, October 7, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-Mckenzie tried to reassure citizens that while there’s no set date for the arrival of Pfizer doses from the U.S, a supply is expected from the Covax Facility in 2 to 4 weeks and will be enough for second doses.

Meanwhile, Dr. Morais Guy says the recent dumping of some 50, 000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine that expired on September 30 occurred due to incompetence and bureaucratic bundling in the Health Ministry. While pointing to another 268, 280 doses of the vaccine that will expire by the end of October, the Opposition Spokesman stresses that there should be no repeat of vaccine dumping with the COVID-19 virus claiming the lives of citizens.

More in this CVM Live story from Aladden Love: