Get the Facts – Jamaica’s Vaccination Programme

Beginning in March 2021, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has made arrangements for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the Jamaican public.

Vaccinations will be administered according to a schedule and the need and vulnerability of various sections of the population.

Vaccination Schedule

Following a public call by the GOJ, specific groups of persons will be asked to register to receive the vaccine. The programme will be carried out in three phases, which correspond to three groups. The vulnerable group will be vaccinated first, followed by those essential to economic activity. The final group will be other members of the general public.

Phase 1 – Vulnerable Group

Persons in this group are considered susceptible to the coronavirus, due to factors such as:

• necessary, repeated exposure to members of the public, such as in the case of healthcare workers; national security and emergency personnel; educators for early childhood, primary and secondary level students and employees of Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and Jamaica Customs
• advanced age (60 years and older)
• existing illnesses or comorbidities

Government officials will also be among the first to receive the vaccine.

Phase 2 – Persons Essential to Economic Activity

This group consists of employees of the following sectors:

• agriculture
• banking
• hotel and tourism
• manufacturing
• transportation
• other public sector bodies

Phase 3 – General Public

This group consists of all other members of the public.

Application Procedure

To receive the vaccine, persons are asked to register through the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ call centre at 888-663-5683, the various parish health departments or the Ministry’s website at https://jamcovid19.moh.gov.jm/vaccination.html. Each applicant will be assigned to a vaccination centre, which will be dependent on his or her address and determined when the appointment is made. Persons should apply for an appointment five days before their desired date.

Registrants will be required to provide the following details:

• Age
• Date of birth
• Comorbidities
• Allergy/ies
• Area of work
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address

Vaccination Day

Registration – On the scheduled day, a community health aide will register the person receiving the vaccine. During this process, the aide will check the applicant’s temperature, confirm the appointment date given and verify the applicant’s national and work identification. The applicant will be asked to sign the centre’s register, and given a vaccination card.

Counselling – A health educator will counsel the applicant, providing information about the vaccination process. The educator will also answer relevant questions the applicant may have.

Vaccine Administration – A registered or public health nurse will vaccinate the applicant and sign the vaccination card.

Observation – A medical doctor or registered nurse will observe the recipient of the vaccine for any adverse reactions for 15 minutes. Those who exhibit a severe reaction will be monitored for 30 minutes. If necessary, resuscitation and/or transportation to hospital will be provided.

Documentation – A clerk will make an appointment for the second dose of the vaccine and issue the vaccination card to the recipient.

For further information, contact:

Ministry of Health & Wellness

10-16 Grenada Way

Kingston 5

Telephone: 876-633-8172, 876-633-7771

Email: pr@moh.gov.jm

Website: moh.gov.jm