The Health Ministry’s COVID-19 vaccination drive at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Sunday saw more than 1000 adults and children being vaccinated.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dr Ariane Mangar, Director of Disability and Rehabilitation at the Ministry, said persons turned up in their numbers to get vaccinated.
“It’s been quite a success. As you can see, the cars have not stopped coming. Hopefully after today ,we’ll hit our 70 per cent mark with first dose administered to the public in Guyana,” Dr Mangar said.
Health personnel assisting persons at the drive-thru (DPI photo)
Vaccines available to the public included Johnson and Johnson (single dose); AstraZeneca (second dose); and first and second doses of Sinopharm and Sputnik V. The Pfizer vaccine was also available for adolescents.
Dr Mangar said the vaccination drive-throughs have proven to be effective.
Several of the persons who benefited from Sunday’s vaccination campaign spoke with DPI.
“The experience was pretty quick actually; I was expecting to stay a lot longer, but the process was really fast, so kudos to the Ministry of Health for that and the jab was just painless,” said Jason Glasgow, who took his first dose of the Sputnik V. “The drive-throughs are a good initiative, plus it reduces the issue of crowding, so this is a pretty good idea,” he added.
Manicia Bouyea opted for the single-dose vaccine.
“I just got my dose of Johnson & Johnson. It wasn’t too bad, a little sting but that’s about it,” she said.
Vashri Badal had been waiting for three months to access the second dose of Sputnik V and was happy she could receive it
“My experience was really good; the staff here were very pleasant and they work very quickly, so that was a plus,” she said.
The vaccination campaign continues in the coming week as Guyana works towards achieving herd immunity. Persons desirous of taking their vaccines can visit the Health Ministry’s online platforms for vaccination sites across the country.
