KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says it is aware of allegations that some service members are concerned about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and is emphasising that no member of the force is being ordered to take the vaccine.

However, the JDF says service members who choose not to take the vaccine will, “need to indemnify the JDF from all responsibilities which directly result from their failure to be innoculated”.

In a statement, the JDF says it is aligned with the Government of Jamaica’s policy and directives for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“In a recent address to service members, Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade, stated that, ‘By taking the vaccine we are protecting others by first protecting ourselves. This is what we do on a daily basis as men and women of the JDF’,” the statement said

It said to underscore the importance of this step, Meade was the first member of the force to be vaccinated.

Notwithstanding the example set by Meade, no member of the force is ordered to take the vaccine, the JDF said.

The COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the island on March 8, and the vaccination of JDF service members commenced on March 10.