As part of the ongoing campaign to immunise persons 60 years and older against COVID-19, the Ministry of Health recently began vaccinating residents of several elderly homes in and around the city.
Gloria Ramcharan, the matron of the New Nazareth Home of St. Vincent de Paul, told Stabroek News that seven residents of the home on Friday received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine from a team from the Ministry of Health.
While the home houses nine residents, only seven persons were vaccinated, as two declined the opportunity.
Those vaccinated were said to be between the ages of 48 and 90.
Ramcharan, 84, shared that residents were initially afraid to take the vaccine. However, she was able to encourage most of them who eventually took the vaccine.
The retired nurse, who cares for the sick, shared her knowledge about the benefits of taking the vaccine, especially since the elderly are considered to be more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Thus far, the matron explained that no one has complained of experiencing side effects and described the atmosphere of the home as quiet.
Ramcharan further explained that the ministry’s team was organized and observant and ensured that the residents were in good health before leaving the home. She added that the nurses even after leaving the home waited an additional 15 minutes outside to further observe the residents.
For those with underlying health conditions, she stated that their health records were taken by nurses present.
The residents are due to receive their second dose in three months.
Ramcharan expressed her gratitude to the health officials for a job well done.
An official at Uncle Eddie’s Home, who asked not to be named, stated that 15 residents and a number of staff present were vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus last Wednesday. They, too, received the AstraZeneca vaccine.
According to the health official, the residents, all over the age of 60, were excited to receive the vaccine and added that no complaints of feeling unwell were reported.
She shared that after observing the residents for approximately 15 minutes the ministry team that visited left behind pain medication in the event that anyone began experiencing any form of discomfort.
Dr. Vivekeanand Bridgemohan, founder of the Demerara Paradise Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility, stated that a total of 24 residents were vaccinated yesterday by a team from the Ministry of Health.
Bridgemohan stated that the ministry was very thorough and careful as they informed all the residents about the vaccines.
The doctor stated that both residents and health care workers were happy to be vaccinated and noted that no side effects had been observed as yet.
Meanwhile, Laurelle Daw, the matron attached to Mercy Resident Care facility, when contacted by this newspaper, stated that the Ministry of Health recently made contact with the home and informed of the vaccination exercise.
The woman explained that the exercise is expected to be conducted before Friday and added that all 32 residents of the facility are excited to be vaccinated.
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Communication Officer Aneka Edwards, when contacted by this newspaper, stated that both the Palms Geriatric Home and the Night Shelter will see residents vaccinated in the new week.
A representative attached to the Dharm Shala Home of Benevolence for All Races, when contacted, explained that the residents are unsure about taking the vaccine.
The representative, in a brief comment, noted that she cannot force the residents to take the vaccine and added that there is a possibility that they may change their minds since more persons are now being vaccinated.
She is unsure when the ministry will visit the home. (Readawne Henery)
