Most Teachers Vaccinated, Parents Open to Vaccination

Jamaica received its first batch of Pfizer vaccines from the United States, on Thursday, august 19. As teachers and students look forward to the new school year, this initiative marks a new step in the fight against the COVID-19 virus and the transmissible Delta variant is now in the country.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness had warned that the administration was considering the further tightening of the health and safety measures and announced those adjusted measures on August 19, in an urgent address to the nation.

The potent vaccines will be prioritized for secondary school students in the push for the return to normality in the education sector. Education Minister Fayval Williams, says vaccination among teachers is inspiring. Minister Williams says majority of the teachers have received at least their first dose of vaccines. She says a recent survey shows more parents are open to having their child or ward take the vaccine.

However, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, ahead of his address to the nation, says tighter measures loom as Jamaicans continue to flout the COVID-19 measures and guidance. This as he says increasing hospitalizations challenge the capacities of the health systems. Prime Minister Holness says the Government will also be embarking on a public campaign promoting vaccination.

More in this CVM Live story from Neika Lewis: