KINGSTON, Jamaica. October 1, 2021: Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the
Hon. Christopher Tufton has reassured Jamaicans that there are adequate supplies of
the AstraZeneca vaccine in country, while urging those persons who are due their
second dose to get the jab.
“We are not out of AstraZeneca vaccines. We have some 390,180 in stock and so
people and in particular those who are due their second dose need not panic. We have
doses available for you,” said Dr. Tufton, speaking at the Ministry’s COVID
Conversation and press conference last evening.
The Minister’s remarks come as the Ministry continues its efforts to achieve a 65%
vaccination target for the population by March 2022.
Members of the public are being reminded that the AstraZeneca vaccine is a two-dose
vaccine. Persons who received a first dose must ensure that they also receive a second
dose in order to receive the maximum benefits from their vaccination, notably a
reduction in the chance of severe illness, hospitalisation and/or death associated with
COVID-19.
Persons now due the second dose of AstraZeneca, or who may be due in the coming
weeks, will have their appointments scheduled and should look out for a text message
with confirmation details. If this message is not received, persons should visit the
nearest vaccination site for the jab. Persons are not fully vaccinated until they have
received the two doses.
