Mixed reaction in Lethem to inoculation of learners

THERE IS MIXED REACTION IN LETHEM TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO
INOCULATE SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM 12-YEARS OLD with the PFIZER-BioNTech
vaccine, beginning the end of this month.
The measure, a joint collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Education, is both to help
protect the young population against the deadly rampaging coronavirus, and to pave the way for
reopening of schools shuttered countrywide since last year.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) of the education ministry, Dr Marcel Hutson, in an advisory
announced the measure to parents explaining their consent will be required for their children to get the
protective COVID-19 jab.
Dr Hutson in his advisory explained to those consenting to complete and sign a Ministry of
Education-provided document “and return it to the head-teacher at your child’s school.”
Parents will ink the consent document which states inter alia, “I am willing to have my child
administered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 when it becomes available,” according to
the ministry’s advisory.
However, the announcement doesn’t sit well with Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo (Region Nine)
residents who took to social media to vent their feelings.
“Where are my parents and supporters when I was the HM (head mistress) of St. Ignatius
Secondary?” queried Ms. Yvette Angela Archer-Singh.
“Listen, think carefully before you allow your children to take this kind of injection. Don’t feel
pressured. Listen to your own heart. Pray and ask God to guide you,” former school administer, Ms.
Archer-Singh counselled.
Some agreed with her position urging her to “help the undecided…and if possible, provide clarity for
your position.”
However, another resident said “people (should) be wise and be vaccinated against the virus.”
“No to this vaccine for my child,” another said.
“I’m feeling for those parents…please make the right choice…our children are precious…it is our
free will,” said another.

CEO Hutson, assured parents in the advisory that the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for those
in the 12 to 18 age group and “will prevent your child from becoming very ill or becoming
hospitalised if they do become infected with the virus.”
“However, some minor side effects may develop which include headache, fever, tiredness, joint pains
and tenderness in the vaccination site, all of which are the normal reaction of the body while it is
improving the immune system,” Hutson advised.
Another Lethem resident noted in the social media post is that whether “you take the vaccine or not,
you are at the same risk of contracting, sharing and dying. So, it should be left to the individual and
their own conviction and choice. No one should be forced.”
Those who took the covid jab, did so “out of fear” another resident said.
“People ain’t live a proper year with it. Relax and live some more years…then tell others to take
it,” another Lethem resident counselled.
A number of persons protested in Lethem earlier today.