The number of COVID-19 vaccination sites islandwide is being increased by the Government, to ensure more Jamaicans get vaccinated. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, says efforts are being made to bolster accessibility and accommodation for persons who wish to be vaccinated.
Speaking during a visit at a vaccination blitz at Caribbean Palms Estate Community Centre in St. Andrew, on Friday, September 17, the Prime Minister notes that COVID-19 vaccination sites will be integrated into communities to make the sites closer to citizens. The PM’s visit was part of the ongoing national vaccine mobilisation and public education campaign, to promote greater take-up of the vaccine.
Prime Minister Holness also urged persons in positions of influence to encourage persons not yet vaccinated, to do so.
“In a national emergency, we would enlist the support of all well-thinking citizens in encouraging persons to take the vaccine. We make a general call of every citizen of Jamaica to support and use their influence,” he said.
Mr. Holness pointed out that the Government has made intentional moves in lobbying for the support of prominent groups so that they can mobilise their affiliates, associates, and members to increase COVID-19 vaccine take-up.
The Prime Minister reiterated that approximately 700,000 persons have, to date, been vaccinated. He urged everyone from all walks of life, regardless of status, to get vaccinated if they can do so. And urged the skeptics to get vaccinated, thereby protecting themselves from severe illness, hospitalization, and possible death. He encouraged persons to continue observing the control measures.
Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, who also visited the vaccination site, urged persons to take the vaccine while highlighting the need the safety and effectiveness of the doses Jamaica has already received. Noting that persons should not hesitate to get vaccinated because they are waiting on a particular vaccine. Golding stated that if it has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is available in Jamaica, citizens should take it.
