High turnout for 2nd vaccination “drive-thru”

Despite inclement weather

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to ramp up across the country. As Guyana observed its 55th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, the Health Ministry hosted its second COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The initiative which aims to make vaccines more accessible to the public was hailed a success by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

Despite the inclement weather, scores of persons turned up to receive their first or second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccination process was a very simple one. Vehicles entered through the Stadium’s main entrance where various tents were set up. Vaccines were administered after persons completed the necessary paperwork.
Persons needing their second doses were required to present their vaccination booklet. After being inoculated, persons were required to spend 15 minutes under observation.
“So far, it has been extremely well. Despite the rains, we have seen a lot of people coming out and they were all queueing in their cars in the rain. The staff here has been doing a tremendous job. We are very pleased,” Dr Anthony, who was present at the event, told Guyana Times.

While the Health Minister could not provide exact numbers in terms of doses administered, he said that health officials had seen “quite a lot of people”. Dr Anthony said that given the high turnout at the last vaccination drive-thru which saw 1000 individuals receiving doses, he is hoping that Wednesday’s numbers approach 1500.
“This seems to be a very popular way of people getting vaccinated and if this is what the people want, then certainly we will like to accommodate them,” the Health Minister added.
“I am thankful for the vaccine. I care about my life. Everybody should come and take the vaccine if they care about themselves,” said one young man who took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Onasis Melville, who also received her first shot, explained that she did not experience any symptoms. “My advice to those who have not taken the vaccine is if they love themselves, they should come and take the vaccine. This vaccine is something good for us, because this COVID is a deadly disease.”
The first vaccination drive-thru was held on May 22 at the National Stadium. Persons came from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), villages along the East Bank of Demerara, Georgetown, and other places to receive their vaccines. The Health Ministry is already looking to implement similar initiatives countrywide.
Those who do not have access to a vehicle can walk-in and get vaccinated.
So far, some 184,319 individuals or 37.9 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccines. Of this number, 54,691 or 11.2 per cent are fully immunised. (G1)