Effective today (December 16), the government is expanding the Covid-19 vaccine booster programme to all persons over age eighteen who qualify.

Previously, only persons over age 60 and healthcare workers were being given a booster dose.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says with an additional 200,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines arriving yesterday (December 15), there is sufficient stock to allow for the expansion of the booster programme.

He says the Pfizer vaccine is the most common booster across the brands.

Children are not required to get a booster at this time.

Jamaica has received an additional 200,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine from the United States.

Meantime, the donation of the Pfizer vaccines from the US government represents the third tranche. It brings the US government’s donation to date to over 600,000 doses.

Dr. Tufton says the arrival of the latest batch of vaccines increases to more than one million, the number of doses of vaccine in storage.

Four brands of vaccines are available.