The Ministry of Health and Wellness has sought to clarify that there has been no confirmed case of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome or (TTS) the rare side effect associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in Jamaica.

The clarification comes amidst public discourse over the COVID-19 vaccine, following the withdrawal of the marketing authorization by the manufacturer.

The vaccine which was authorized for emergency use during the height of the pandemic saw over three billion doses distributed in over 150 countries.

Several of those nations reported cases of TTS and eventual deaths from that condition.

In a statement today, the Health Ministry noted the concerns of citizens, while assuring that it continues to collect reports on illnesses that have occurred in vaccinated persons where there is a possibility of relation to the vaccine.

Speaking at a Post-Cabinet press briefing this morning Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bissassor McKenzie said the AstraZeneca vaccine has not been available for use in Jamaica since July 2022.

As at May 10, 2024, approximately 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Jamaica.

Of this number, approximately 59% were Astrazeneca.