Jamaica to receive US COVID-19 vaccines through two pathways

Jamaica appears set to receive COVID-19 vaccines through two of the pathways by which the United States is donating the medicine.

The White House on Monday unveiled the distribution plan for the additional 55 million doses it plans to donate.

Based on the plan, Jamaica and other CARICOM countries could receive vaccines through the allocation for COVAX as well as some set aside for direct donation by the US.

A Reuters report says, under the plan, 75 per cent of the 55 million doses have been allocated to Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa through the COVAX international vaccine-sharing program.

The plan is in keeping with President Joe Biden's commitment to share 80 million American made vaccines with countries around the world.

The President sketched out his priorities for the first 25 million doses from that pledge earlier this month, with six million set to go to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Of the 55 million remaining doses, 41 million will be shared through COVAX, with 14 million going to LAC countries, 16 million to Asia, and roughly 10 million to Africa.

Among the LAC countries to benefit from the COVAX allocation are Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and other CARICOM countries.

However, the White House plan does list CARICOM countries among those that will also benefit from direct donations from the US.

The 55 million doses will be taken from the U.S. supply of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots.

 AstraZeneca's vaccine could be added to the mix if it gets the green light from the Food and Drug Administration.