Hundreds of persons on Tuesday gathered at various vaccination sites across the country to receive their second dose of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, after waiting for the jabs.
On Monday the Guyana Government received some 50,000 doses of the second dose Sputnik V vaccine after weeks of waiting.
Persons in to be vaccinated on Wednesday
A large turnout comes just a day after Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the vaccines will be available on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Over 80,000 persons had been waiting to receive their second dose of the vaccine, which are in limited supply globally.
The Government had first ordered 400,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, 200,000 first doses and 200,000 second doses. From that, Guyana has already received the 200,000 first doses as well as 61,000 of the second doses.
The country then placed a second order for 86,000 doses, comprising 43,000 first doses and 43,000 second doses.
Persons in to be vaccinated on Wednesday
Many persons who were very concerned about the long wait of the vaccine’s arrival, said they are now relieved, and elated that they will finally be fully immunized.
Guyana Times ventured to Health Ministry on Brickdam, Georgetown where some persons shared their experiences.
Amy, (only name given), a resident of Hope East Coast Demerara said “I am very relieved because I will now be able to go places. I can now go to Giftland and watch movies and so now. I had to wait two weeks and now I am vaccinated. I feel normal after my second dose…”.
Persons in to be vaccinated on Wednesday
Also, a resident of the West Bank of Demerara Bibi Ali said “I had a long time waiting. I had to get mine on the 20th of August but there was no vaccine… I am so happy that we are getting the next dose now because there is a lot of persons getting sick in the county right now. I was not frustrated while waiting because they said it was going to come, and let us be a little patient, and I waited. Persons needs to be vaccinated because a lot of people getting sick, and a lot of people dying”.
Tonia Smith, a student of the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) told Guyana Times that she chose to be jabbed to protect herself and family members from the deadly virus.
“I waited a month and change to get a second dose and I was kind of nervous because of the symptoms I had with the first dose, but I am taking it to prevent getting COVID. This will protect my friend, family and loved ones”, she said.
Recently the Government gazetted new measures for entry into public buildings. It stated that only vaccinated persons can enter any public building without an appointment. Persons who are unvaccinated are required to make an appointment to enter a public building, and must present a negative molecular biological PCR test taken within seven days of the appointment.
This runs until September 30, 2021, or unless extended further by the health minister. (G9)
