Jamaica To Receive Vaccines Through COVAX Over Next Few Weeks

Jamaica is among at least seven countries that are slated to receive nearly 2.3 million doses of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines through the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility, over the next few weeks.

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, said that the provision forms part of the 28.7 million doses scheduled for delivery to member countries through to May.

Dr. Etienne, who was addressing PAHO’s COVID-19 digital briefing on Wednesday (March 10), said that over recent weeks, countries have been making advance payments to the Revolving Fund, which represents COVAX in the Americas “so they can begin to receive the 28.7 million doses that have been allocated to the Americas over the next three months”.

She noted that through the regional facility, agreements have been reached with vaccine manufacturers, orders placed on behalf of member states and the necessary preparations made to deliver the doses.

“In those cases where bridge funding is required to access COVID-19 vaccines on a timely basis, the Revolving Fund is working with countries to extend financial credit to facilitate the procurement process,” she pointed out.

Dr. Etienne said that the challenge now is to continue to accelerate vaccine deliveries to member states “to ensure that all countries receive their initial instalments this month”.

“We’re also looking ahead to what it will take to ensure everyone in our region is protected and we are providing as much information as possible on the timing of allocated doses for April, May, and beyond,” she informed.

Dr. Etienne further advised that PAHO is accelerating the procurement of syringes and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure that health workers across the Americas have the supplies they need to safely deliver COVID vaccines over the ensuing months.

She said it is “encouraging” that vaccines have started to arrive across the region, but noted that because doses are limited “most people will still have to wait several months before they’re vaccinated”.

“During this time, we must remain cautious and protect ourselves by continuing to rely on the public health measures that have kept us safe through the worst surges of the pandemic. We cannot let our guard down now when vaccines are so close,” Dr. Etienne advised.