Jamaica is to receive a shipment of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine tonight. About 115,000 doses of the vaccine are expected.

In a tweet today, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said this represents the first significant shipment of the single-dose vaccine. It will be the first tranche of almost 1.9 million doses purchased by the government.

The arrival of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will result in three brands being available for vaccination. AstraZeneca and Pfizer are already being used, with the latter being prioritized for children.

Vaccination of students 12 years and older will continue through to tomorrow August 24, after which vaccination for the general population resumes on Wednesday, August 25.

The Health Ministry reported that up to yesterday approximately 20,000 children 12 years and older got their first jabs of the Pfizer vaccine in the first two days of vaccination activities targeted at students.