With the re-introduction of strict COVID-19 containment measures to stem a pandemic tide with no clear end in sight, it has become apparent, now more than ever, that widespread vaccination to achieve herd immunity is of utmost importance.

In light of this, a coalition of private sector and social associations are strongly urging every Jamaican to seize the current opportunities to get vaccinated and play their part in restoring normalcy.

Noting the availability of vaccines which has improved greatly, when compared to the past few months, and the likelihood of more vaccines arriving on the island in the coming weeks, the groups advised that Jamaicans take advantage of the current supply of vaccines and help to save the lives of as many Jamaicans as possible.

Highlighting that a persistent national low vaccination rate and blatant breaches of the protocols will compel the Government to extend restrictions to reduce the movement of people and the spread of the virus, the groups stated in a release, “we implore Jamaicans to review the facts”.

“Since April 2021, thousands of Jamaicans have been fully vaccinated and or have received at least one dose and the evidence does not indicate that there has been a widespread negative impact on the health of individuals due to the vaccine. On the other hand, we are sure that over 100,000 children are already experiencing learning loss and there is a real risk for that number to be increased if hybrid or online learning is to continue for another school term or year.”

Referencing the recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Wellness which indicate a rising positivity rate and an alarming number of hospitalisations, the groups noted that “this should motivate every Jamaican to get vaccinated”.

Recognising that, “each day we delay getting the vaccines into arms, is a further prolonging of the turmoil and hardship resulting from the COVID19 pandemic,” the groups pleaded: “The time has come for each of us to make a choice for the greater good of the country.

“The more Jamaicans who choose to get vaccinated, the sooner we will have our children back in school, the resumption of normal commercial activities and critically, a reduction in hospitalisations and loss of lives due to COVID-19.”

In closing, the groups reiterated that “until we have at least 65 per cent of the population vaccinated, there will continue to be gathering limits for churches, weddings and funerals, the entertainment sector is likely to remain closed, retailers and micro retailers will continue to feel the pinch of loss of revenue and perhaps most importantly, our children will continue to be denied access to face-to-face learning”.