Minister Tufton Encouraged by Increasing Vaccine Take-Up

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, says the increasing number of persons taking the COVID-19 vaccine has been encouraging.

Speaking during a tour of vaccination sites in Westmoreland, as well as the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in the parish, on Thursday, September 2, Dr. Tufton said the uptake in vaccines shows that the message of its effectiveness against the virus, especially in lessening the probability of severe illness, is reaching the people.

The Health Minister, along with Ministry representatives, went through several communities in the parish, to encourage persons to get vaccinated. He emphasized the efficacy of a collective approach to bolster vaccine take-up by Jamaicans and noted efforts the work being done by stakeholders and interests.

“I think as we add additional layers of support, we will get more responses, and that is good. Now that we have the vaccine in stock, we can do all the multiple channels and the multiple approaches, and you will see more over the next couple of weeks,” the Minister noted.

Dr. Tufton encouraged citizens who are still on the fence when it comes to taking the COVID-19 jab to seriously consider getting vaccinated, given the current spike, the presence of the Delta variant, and the pressure that the health sector is now facing.

The Minister notes that with families losing loved ones, the stress that came with closures and lockdowns, and the urgency for the country to back to normal life; the vaccines represent the best approach in doing so.

Minister Tufton expressed his gratitude to the health team in Westmoreland for the work they have been doing to grow the vaccination numbers in the parish.