COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy being addressed in Region 2

With approximately 68 per cent of the adult population having taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 52 per cent fully vaccinated in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), there are still many persons hesitant to take the jab because of misinformation.
This statement was made by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Monday in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) where he said that it is important for citizens to understand that vaccines can protect against the severe form of the virus and even prevent deaths.

Dr Anthony was at the time opening a three-day workshop to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the region.  The workshop is being hosted by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Health Minister said that Guyana has faced many challenges in motivating and encouraging citizens to be immunised. One of the challenges includes persons reluctant to take the jab because of false information circulating about the vaccines.
“Because of the invention of the COVID-19 vaccines, millions of lives across this world were saved. Without this vaccine, it would have been a big catastrophe in the world and it is very important for us to get people to understand that the vaccines will protect and, in most instances, save your life,” the Minister told the gathering.
He urged more persons to get vaccinated, adding that the vaccination process will help prevent “long COVID”.
“There are people still to take the first dose of vaccine and persons eligible for a second dose, still to take the jab. If your system is not prime to protect you then you will get infected in a very severe way which will be very challenging,” the Minister said while adding that 59 persons died from COVID-19 in Region Two.
Dr Anthony said the workshop will help community healthcare workers to interact with community and religious leaders, and other influential persons in the communities about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch said that the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the major steps in ensuring the return of some sort of normalcy.
“The vaccination will help people to overcome their fears and concerns… It is known that the vaccine can save lives and help Guyana to bounce back from the devastating effects of COVID-19,” she explained.
She also stated that the US Government will continue to support Guyana’s vaccination programme and continue to be a resolute partner to the Government and the people of Guyana in their COVID-19 response.
Also attending the opening of the workshop was UNICEF’s Deputy Representative of Guyana and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar; Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall; Director of Primary Health Care Services at the Health Ministry, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton; Regional Health Officer Ranjeev Singh, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva and Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit among others.