PM and health minister need to get vaccinated now

THE EDITOR, Madam:

ON WEDNESDAY, March 10, Jamaica began the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations, which was exactly one year after the detection of the first COVID19 case in Jamaica. The first individuals to benefit from the vaccine roll-out include vulnerable groups, essential workers and other critical groups.

Several Jamaicans remain sceptical of the vaccine in spite of attempts being made to raise awareness and dispel myths. The Government has to try and bring about a behavioural change and strengthen the public education campaign in an effort to increase public confidence in the vaccine. This ought to increase the take-up of vaccine when additional doses become available.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton have been at the forefront of the campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is only right and fitting that they come forward and get vaccinated publicly as soon as possible.

The policy of the vaccine rollout has been transparent and structured, but the plan ought to consider the elected officials, especially those who have been leading the government fight against the pandemic, to get vaccinated first and set a precedence. Some adjustments ought to be made to accommodate the vaccination of the prime minister and health minister now.

As seen in many other countries across the world where the vaccine has been rolled out, the political leaders have been among the first to be inoculated. All possible strategies need to be utilised in order to get Jamaica to herd immunity. Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”

I would like to implore all persons to take the vaccine when they are given the opportunity.

KHALIL MITCHELL khalil.mitchell@mymona.uwi.edu