Jamaica Observer – Prime Minister Andrew Holness, along with former prime ministers PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding say they are willing to roll up their sleeves and take the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.
Holness said he would have no problem taking the vaccine, Patterson is willing to have his vaccination live-streamed to reassure the public that it is safe, and Golding said he would encourage all his family members to get the shot.
Many Jamaicans, like other people around the world, have expressed reservations about taking a freshly rolled out vaccine to fight a virus about which there is still much to learn. But, yesterday, all three statesmen made it clear they are not among the sceptics.
“As the approved vaccine becomes widely available the Government of Jamaica is committed to making it free to Jamaican citizens eligible to receive it. As prime minister, I would have no difficulty in taking the vaccine,” said Holness, who is 48 years old.
Patterson, who in April marked his 85th birthday, told the Jamaica Observer he was “ready and willing to go”.
Both he and Golding said they would consult their doctors ahead of being vaccinated, but added that they had no reservations about the procedure and anticipate that they would be given the go-ahead.
“I’m in the vulnerable group, so I can’t fool around. Once it’s approved by the appropriate authorities – both internationally and locally – I’ll take it,” said Golding, who last Saturday celebrated his 73rd birthday.
