COVID-19 mutations warrant grave need to get vaccinated – Health Minister

…as US donates 12,870 more Pfizer vaccines

Despite having enough COVID-19 vaccines in Guyana, authorities are confronted with vaccine hesitancy and a slowed uptake of primary and booster jabs.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony cautioned on Tuesday that the virus is mutating with higher transmissibility, and he has underscored the need for protection by virtue of immunisation. He shared this position as the United States Government handed over 12,870 doses of the Pfizer vaccines as part of an ongoing pledge to fulfil the country’s vaccine demand.

“When other countries are struggling still to get access to vaccines, we have all the vaccines needed that this country would really require…I know that people have grown very complacent because it’s about two years now since we’ve been doing this. Some people feel that they don’t need to get a vaccine shot. But the virus itself is mutating,” the Minister noted.
Additionally, the Health Ministry is tasked with countering misinformation that is circulating around communities. Healthcare workers have been engaged in sharing verified and accurate information to debunk such myths and rumours.
“We know we’ve had some challenges in some communities here in Guyana, where people, because of misinformation, might still be a little hesitant to take the vaccines. The project we’ve had through US-AID, to go out and talk to healthcare workers to keep them better informed, I think that has been working,” Minister Anthony has said.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, has highlighted that since Guyana’s vaccination campaign started, the US has contributed over 301,000 shots. Assistance has also extended to other areas of COVID-19 management and capacity building.
Over US$793,500 in COVID-19- related assistance has been sent from the US Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defense. With vaccines made available in the country, the diplomat has underscored the importance of higher uptake.
“Having the vaccine doesn’t mean getting vaccinated. We continue to encourage people to come out, get your shots, and if you have already gotten your initial vaccinations, please get your boosters. It’s very, very important,” Ambassador Lynch admonished.
This consignment will be followed by additional shipments in the coming months. By next week, 50,000 additional shots are slated to arrive in the country through this arrangement.
Less than one week ago, the Government of South Korea also delivered 40,800 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana. For now, authorities are contending, there is enough vaccines in the country to continue the immunisation campaign.
Dr Anthony has contended that, for now, persons should get boosted. “When we’re looking at our numbers, we’re stuck now with 69,000 people having their booster dose. We have to change that if we are going to protect people. With the vaccines that we’re getting, we really want to appeal to everyone, if you’ve had your last dose more than six months ago, please come and get your booster shot,” the Minister told media operatives.