As more COVID-19 inoculations get under way, the country’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie is affirming the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ mandate to guide the vaccination implementation programme using an assessment of the risk factors and comorbidities that have been associated with the country’s COVID-19 deaths.

Speaking at Thursday’s (April 8) COVID Conversations, Bisasor-McKenzie noted that 630, or 98 per cent, of the persons who suffered COVID-19 related deaths had at least one or more comorbidities or risk factors.

Of this number 473, or 73 per cent, of persons fell within the age group 60 and older and 350, or 54 per cent, suffered cardiovascular disease inclusive of hypertension.

In light of this, Bisasor-McKenzie said the decision, which was announced early Thursday (April 8) to extend the vaccination priority group to include persons 60 and older was made “because it (persons 60 and older) is the greatest risk factor that we have for poor outcomes”.

Persons who fall within the priority group 60 and older who wish to be vaccinated can do so this weekend, during the all-island vaccination blitz exercise which began at 9 a.m. today (April 9) and will continue daily until Tuesday (April 13) at 4 p.m.

Individuals may register for their appointments by calling the National Vaccination Hotline at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683) or online on the ministry’s website, www.moh.gov.jm.