MoH hosts vaccination drive for children aged 5-11

The Health Ministry on Saturday hosted a drive-through/walk-in vaccination initiative at the Natural Culture Centre Tarmac targeting the 5-11 cohort.
Despite the inclement weather, a number of children received the jabs in the presence of their parents. In addition, vaccines were also available for other age ranges.
A health official explained that the initiative had a decent turnout of persons in general, especially in the targeted age range. The initiative was scheduled to commence at 9:00h but due to the early turnout, it started at 8:00h.
One of the attractions was the face painting exercise which was opened to those children who took the vaccines.

Nadia De Abreu who brought her 7-year-old daughter told Guyana Times that she is aware of the importance of getting her family vaccinated since COVID-19 is still circulating.
“I think it’s important that we take all the responsible steps, we know COVID is real. I’ve had all my doses, I’ve ensured that my bigger daughter as well has had her dose and so when I saw the notice this morning that they were giving 5 and above I thought that I should get her prepared, of course, I want to do the best for her and I think it’s the best thing to do for in the event of anything happening, her body is able to fight off anything,” De Abreu.
De Abreu encouraged other parents to have their children vaccinated in order to protect them.
“People say COVID is gone but for her I would do anything to make sure that my family and loved ones are protected. I know the children find it difficult to keep their mask on all the time and so I think is the next best thing.”
“I would definitely encourage other parents to have their kids vaccinated, I think if you have a child, especially if the child is back at school, we don’t want to rob them of the opportunity to socialise and all of that…us big adults don’t responsible for our actions we still walk around carelessly and so the children you it’s difficult for them and so the best thing to do is bring them out and have them vaccinated,” she added.
The Ministry of Health, after trying for some time, on June 6, acquired 52,800 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Government of Spain for children aged 5-11, which was expected to benefit 26,400 children.
Some children of the 5 to 11 cohort are now eligible for their second dose of the vaccine as the vaccine was first distributed on June 11.