Over 21,000 Jamaicans were vaccinated on Tuesday, August 24, the final day of the special blitz, organized for students over 12 years old including the general populace. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, that number represents a record for the highest number of persons vaccinated in a day since the COVID-19 vaccination programme began in March.

Approximately 40% of that figure 21,000 vaccinated on the day were children between 12-18 years old, and the remainder was persons over 18 years.

Despite chairs being provided and tents being pitched, long lines in the blistering sun were among the main features at some 17 sites designated for the blitz operation that started on Saturday, August 21.

Over 56,000 people were inoculated within the four-day period, some of whom were first dosers with the Pfizer vaccine, while some received their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Students 12 years and older were prioritized for the resumption of face-to-face school set for September.

And in parishes such as Clarendon, there was a constant flow of people making their way to the vaccination sites to get their jabs. Permanent sites across the country will now reopen on an appointment basis.

More in this CVM Live story from Robian Williams: