The Health Ministry says the vaccination take up by children 12 years and over today (August 21), was lower than expected.

The Ministry had stated that children 12 and older with comorbidities, those 15 to 18 years old, as well as their parents, teachers and other education workers, will be prioritized for the Pfizer vaccine starting, today.

Vaccination for the group will continue through to Tuesday, August 24.

Speaking with Irie Fm News, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dunstan Bryan said only thirteen thousand persons were vaccinated today.

Meantime, there have been reports that some elderly persons who turned up at sites to be vaccinated, were turned away.

Mr. Bryan sought to clarify that it is not the ministry’s policy to turn away anyone seeking to be vaccinated.