Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Melody Ennis, says there were several factors that contributed to yet another weekend vaccination blitz target not being met.
She says chief among them was the declaration of no movement days despite persons being given the go-ahead to travel to and from vaccination sites.
The government set a target to vaccinate approximately 25,000 Jamaicans over the preceding weekend.
However, just about 20,000 jabs were actually administered.
The focus between Saturday and the coming Tuesday is to vaccinate the nation’s children particularly those who are to sit exit exams.
Dr. Ennis says when analyzed, the target was not overly ambitious and the goal is critical.
She also says the high degree of hesitancy can only be combated by further public education.
Dr. Ennis apologized to those who came out seeking to be vaccinated over the weekend but were turned away, noting the importance and focus on children for the four days.
Dr. Melody Ennis, Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has admitted that the government may not be the most credible voice in promoting vaccination.
There have been calls for the government to use a broader range of voices to encourage Jamaicans to take the vaccine.
The Minister says the administration is paying attention.
The Health Ministry is currently rolling out the community stage of the vaccination programme across the island.
Dr. Tufton says the engagement of stakeholders will continue.
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Health Minister.
He was speaking during a media briefing with church leaders recently.
