Over 14,000 Essequibians, which accounts for 46.5% of the adult population in the county, have taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Region Two, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Ranjeev Singh.
Following a significant turnout yesterday, 14,188 persons have received their first dose in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 9,015 persons are fully vaccinated, he said. Dr Singh said the region has seen increased uptake of the vaccine since the government announced that persons have to show a vaccination card for visits to a government office otherwise they have to make an appointment. The eligible Region Two population is said to be 30,500.
Dr Singh said he wants more persons to come forward to take the vaccines. He said efforts are being made for continuous sensitization as well as more vaccination drives. The Regional Health Officer said that he is also hoping that his region achieves herd immunity. “All we need is for people to come out and take the vaccine, it is safe and effective, Region Two is behind, and as such, we need to co-operate and have a safe society,” Dr. Singh said.
Meanwhile, those who turned up to take the vaccine said that they are thankful to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Health for making the second dose available to them. The vaccination drive is attracting essential workers, vendors and taxi drivers.
“I feel good that I went out and took my second dose and I am therefore encouraging other persons to come out and take their second dose,” Kumarie Persaud said. Persaud said that she opted to take the vaccine because she wants to protect her children and the people living around her. Aaron Latchman, an elder who also took the vaccine said he was satisfied with the services being provided by the Region Two vaccination team.
“The frontline workers, especially the ones who are part of the vaccination team must be commended. They are doing a great job, they are so nice and have the patience”, Latchman said.
Vaccination drives will continue within the township of Anna Regina at the Anna Regina Car Park. Apart from the drives, there are permanent vaccination sites at the Anna Regina, Suddie, and Charity Health Centres. Both AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines are available in the Region.
