The Ministry of Health & Wellness has advised that effective tomorrow (Wednesday, September 15, 2021), it will postpone the administration of the Pfizer vaccine.
The postponement comes as Jamaica awaits the arrival of a second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine, which is expected in country in the coming weeks.
“While the country awaits the arrival of more Pfizer doses, members of the public who are due their second dose of the vaccine are assured that they will get it once supplies arrive in country,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, speaking at a press conference hosted by the Ministry earlier this evening.
The WHO recommendations on the administration of Pfizer second doses give consideration to the second dose being given three (3) to six (6) weeks after the first dose and up to 12 weeks in some instances.
The Ministry, meanwhile, is continuing to administer the other two-dose vaccine, AstraZeneca; and the single-dose vaccine, Johnson & Johnson. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves from severe illness, hospitalisation and/or death.
Persons gain maximum benefit after receiving the second dose of a two dose vaccine. Members of the public are therefore encouraged to take the second dose once it becomes available.
ARRIVAL OF MORE VACCINES
Jamaica continues to increase its supply of vaccines in country, with the arrival of 100,800 doses respectively of the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines last evening via the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.
The doses are part of the purchase arrangements through the COVAX Facility in the case of AstraZeneca, while the Johnson & Johnson were purchased from the African Medical Supplies Platform.
Up to 2:30 pm today (September 14, 2021), a total of 679,467 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had been administered. Of that number, 477,537 were first doses, 185,076 were second doses and 16,854 were single dose.
To become vaccinated, members of the public are encouraged to visit a vaccination site close to them. Details on the sites can be found at https://vaccination.moh.gov.jm.