Dozens turned back from vaccination centre in St Thomas over capacity issues

Tempers flared at the Yallahs Health Centre in St Thomas this morning as dozens were turned away from the Pfizer vaccination drive as the facility exceeded its capacity.

Health officials indicated that they had doses to inoculate a maximum of 300 persons, which was not enough to supply the almost 500 individuals who turned up for the jab.

A ticket number system was used to distribute the shots, which angered some persons who said they were unable to join the vaccination line despite having appointments.

Simone Matthews and her 12-year-old son were among those who had appointments but could not get their jabs.

“I registered online because they said they were giving the Pfizer to persons 12 years and over. I got an 11 o'clock appointment for today, come out here now only to find out that they say they changed up the system so they are going by numbers. I didn't get a number so although I'm registered online it is not a must that you will get through,” she said.

Lashing out, Matthews, who decided to leave the site with her son, described the situation at the vaccination centre as disorganised.

“I'm disappointed because they say children are the ones who are prioritised and is mostly adults I'm looking at now, and the children come and not getting through for today and when tomorrow comes it might be the same thing again. [This is] total stupidness and I'm so disappointed with everything that's going on,” she said.

Health officials are hoping to transfer registered individuals to the Morant Bay Health Centre to get immunised.

- Shanna kaye Monteith

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