COVID-19 vaccine: Patients with brain, heart conditions should not take jabs until full recovery – CMO

Patients currently suffering from an acute cardiac or acute cerebrovascular event, or those with an active infection have been asked to wait until they are completely recovered before taking a COVID-19 vaccine.
This information was communicated by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh in an updated list of vaccination exemptions that were documented in a memorandum.
It was pointed out that these patients cannot receive the vaccine until they have recovered and receive clearance from their attending physician.

Those with any clotting disorder, such as haemophilia should be given clearance from their physician before receiving the vaccine. This also applies to persons receiving chemotherapy or dialysis.
Meanwhile, there is no contraindication to receiving vaccines during the period of breastfeeding or during pregnancy. It is, however, advised that clearance be sought from their doctor before receiving the coronavirus vaccine. Mothers who do not wish to be vaccinated can be exempted for a period of six months from the date of delivery. On the other hand, pregnant mothers can be exempted for the duration of their pregnancy.
It was recommended that persons who tested positive for COVID-19 can receive their vaccines as soon as they recover, that is, 14 days after testing positive. Individuals who received blood transfusions are eligible for the vaccines post two weeks. Additionally, persons can donate blood after immunisation.
“For persons who are exempted for reasons mentioned above and other underlying illnesses not listed herein, should present a certificate of exemption from a fully registered medical practitioner,” the CMO noted.
The World Health Organisation has outlined that people should take the vaccines available, even if they would have contracted the disease and subsequently recovered.
“It is important to be vaccinated as soon as possible once it’s your turn and not wait. Approved COVID-19 vaccines provide a high degree of protection against getting seriously ill and dying from the disease, although no vaccine is 100 per cent protective,” the Organisation advised on its website.
It also added that people with pre-existing conditions of any kind, including auto-immune disorders are clear to take their jabs. These conditions include: hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver and kidney diseases that are stable and controlled. People with comorbidities are vulnerable to contracting the worse form of the virus and it is essential that they protect themselves.
In fact, since the commencement of Guyana’s vaccination campaign, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has called on Guyanese with underlying illnesses to get inoculated and reduce the existing risks.
Government has intensified the vaccine requirement in order to access services across the country. For Ministries and other State agencies, unvaccinated persons are required to make an appointment before visiting to conduct their respective transaction.
Meanwhile, dining is only permitted for vaccinated persons, with the exception of children. Patrons must have in their possession, an official identification document in addition to their vaccination card.
In order to transport members of the public, the gazetted document stipulates that every operator and conductor of any public transportation service shall be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document and their vaccination card.
Meanwhile, casinos, betting shops or cinemas have been given the greenlight to operate but only at forty per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status. Caribbean Cinemas have already indicated their intention of reopening theatres this week. (G12)