The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has been hailed a huge success by the region’s Health Officer, Dr Vishalya Sharma, who disclosed that 15,655 persons have been vaccinated to date.
During an interview with Guyana Times on Sunday, Dr Sharma disclosed that the region recorded its highest number of vaccinations on Friday and Saturday, surpassing 1000 persons on both days. On Friday, 1015 people were vaccinated, while 1354 persons received theirs on Saturday.
According to her, Region Six started with five health centres being used as vaccination sites. However, this gradually increased to 13 health centres to cater to the growing needs of residents.
Guyana received its first shipment of COVAX vaccines in March
Come Monday, three more health centres will be added, bringing the total number of vaccination sites in that region to 16. The Regional Health Officer disclosed that on average, 200 persons visit each site daily.
Apart from the health centre, temporary vaccination sites have been set up at markets across Region Six.
Health Officer of Region Six, Dr Vishalya Sharma
While concerns have been raised in the region about persons’ reluctance to take the vaccines, Dr Sharma said that officials are working to remedy this with massive sensitisation and mobilisation campaigns. She said the region has increased its sensitisation programme by targeting persons through various means.
On this note she disclosed that these programmes have featured face-to-face interactions with religious leaders, youth, and non-governmental organisations, to name a few. Added to that, she said that health officials have been visiting both public and private worksites to administer the COVID-19 vaccines.
“The time to get vaccinated is now, no other time. We need to play our part in the pandemic,” Dr Sharma said, as she urged persons to take a more serious approach in safeguarding themselves against the deadly virus.
The Health Ministry kicked off immunisation against COVID-19 in February with healthcare workers across the country receiving doses of the Covidshield-AstraZeneca vaccines that were donated by Barbados.
Last week, the Government widened the eligibility requirement for COVID-19 vaccination to now allow for persons 18 years and older to get immunised against the novel coronavirus. As the vaccination rollout continues with almost 100 permanent sites in the 10 regions along with temporary sites in some areas, outreaches are being conducted in communities to sensitise persons.
VP Jagdeo has revealed that Guyana has paid for enough vaccines for about half of the adult population, having had to secure them through “other” means, as developed nations are procuring the lion’s share. In this regard, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has been calling for equitable distribution of vaccines among countries.
While Government is doing its part to immunise the nation against the deadly virus which has claimed the lives of over 270 persons, Dr Anthony noted that the public needs to play its role in ridding Guyana of the pandemic by getting vaccinated and adhering to the safety guidelines.
Against this backdrop, he pointed out that Guyana could be out of danger by the year-end or early 2022.
