PAHO Sets Goal Of 70% Vaccination Rate By Mid-2022

• The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is looking to facilitate the vaccination of at least 70% of the collective population of Latin American and Caribbean member countries against the coronavirus (COVID-19) by mid-2022. 
• The organization has been able to deliver nearly 100 million doses of vaccines to 33 countries and in recent months’ vaccine supplies have increased in the region. However, vaccination statistics show that only four member countries have, to date, vaccinated more than 75% of their populations – Chile, Cuba, Panama, and Paraguay. 
• As of Friday, January 21, 2021, the Pan American Health Organization estimates that 20.3% of Jamaica's population has been fully vaccinated, making it the second least vaccinated jurisdiction in the Caribbean behind Haiti. On Monday the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention escalated the travel risk of Jamaica to Level Four, warning travelers to ensure that they are fully vaccinated before travel. 
• The CDC’s latest advisory comes amidst an easing of travel and other COVID-related restrictions, and, as the country experiences its fourth wave of the pandemic. This development will likely deter short-term travel and undermine the recovery in the country’s tourism sector. 
• Furthermore, as territories push towards increasing their vaccination rate, which would help PAHO achieve its 70% target by mid-2022, Jamaica may continue to lag due to vaccine hesitancy amongst the population. Additionally, given the spread of new variants, travelers may choose destinations with higher vaccination rates, which also presents a risk to Jamaica’s tourism recovery.

(Sources: JIS News & NCBCM Research)