Region Two Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Ranjeev Singh, has called on healthcare providers to help promote vaccines in the Region.
He was at the time speaking at the launch of Vaccination Week in Region Two, held on the lawns of the Anna Regina Town Council compound.
Vaccination Week will commenced on April 23 and conclude on April 30, under the theme “Get all your shots”.
Speaking to healthcare providers at Anna Regina, Dr Singh stressed the importance of persons coming out and getting their vaccines. He explain-ed that the focus of Vaccination Week is to encourage people to be fully immunised against diseases.
As a result, the RHO called on healthcare providers to assist in the promotion and to reach out to people by way of education. He also urged mothers to ensure that their babies are fully immunised. “If persons are not coming to you then you need to reach out to them as healthcare providers so that you can help safeguard them against diseases.”
Dr Singh noted that it was only recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that some persons realised the import and effectiveness of vaccines. He mentioned that because of the high vaccination rate Guyana as a country was able to achieve herd immunity, which allowed the curfew to be relaxed.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva thanked the RHO and his team for the good job they have been doing. She also commended the regional vaccination team, especially in the fight against COVID-19 in the region. De Silva urged those persons who have not taken vaccines such as Yellow fever or HPV, to do so.
The Regional Chair assured that the Ministry of Health is ensuring that the vaccines are available at the various health centres and she too urged persons to come out and take their jab to be safe.
Covid-19 vaccines were available during the launch. During the week the Maternal and Child Health Department will educate persons using different forums about the importance of vaccines.
