KINGSTON, Jamaica. Thursday, August 19, 2021: The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue its COVID-19 response efforts with the vaccination of children and teens. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, the Ministry will prioritise students for vaccination following the arrival of Jamaica’s first shipment of Pfizer vaccines, received in country from the United States.
The National Student Vaccination Programme in its first instance, will focus on children 12 years and older with underlying illness, as well as students 15 to 18 years old scheduled to sit exit exams. The programme is set for roll-out Saturday, August 21 into Tuesday, August 24 at designated vaccination sites across parishes. In the meantime, vaccination for the general population will resume Wednesday, August 25.
In order to be vaccinated, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with a government-issued identification and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Parents may also be vaccinated on site along with their child/children.
The Pfizer vaccine has been proven safe and effective and is approved for use in children and teens. The two-dose vaccine requires a period of three weeks between doses.