The Andrew Holness administration in Jamaica announced that it has reached a deal with the African Medical Supplies Platform for delivery of 1.8 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, starting next month.

Jamaica’s Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the country is also expected to receive its gift of 50,000 vaccines from the Indian government before the end of this week.

Meanwhile, 14,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine procured under the COVAX Facility is due to land in Jamaica next week from the Netherlands. 

Elderly persons  60 years and older, members of the army, police, firefighters, and members of the Department of Correctional Services and the Jamaica Customs Agency will be among the first groups to be vaccinated.

A vaccination plan is expected to be announced this week, as the Jamaican government seeks to achieve herb immunity by vaccinating 65% of its population. 

Jamaica currently has a record of 23,262 Covid cases, of which 13,410 have already recovered. 

The island has 422 virus related deaths.