Jamaica is expected to receive its first set of vaccines to treat the Monkeypox disease this month.
“We have a priority group that will be targeted, similarly to what we [did] with the COVID-19 [vaccine distribution], and once they arrive, we will offer it to that group,” Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton told JIS News.
This announcement comes days before the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.The country has recorded its fifth case.
Speaking at the Open House & Exhibition ceremony for the rehabilitation of public health facilities in St. Catherine, held at the Church of the Open Bible in Twickenham Park on Wednesday, August 31, Dr. Tufton called on parents to be vigilant.
“If there is any problem at all, go to your parish health office or report to your school nurse,” he added.
The health minister advised that the same health and safety protocols that were in place to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus within schools will also be maintained throughout the new school year.
These include abiding by social-distancing protocols, wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and designated areas for sanitisation on school grounds, among others.
“The Ministry and the Ministry of Education and Youth work closely together. There are briefing sessions; we work with the school nurses [and] guidance counsellors; the schools are aware of what to look for and the recommendations to health centres, doctors, [and] hospitals,” he noted.