More than 42,000 persons vaccinated against COVID-19

– public urged to get immunised

Over 42,000 people across the country have to date received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, even as the Ministry of Health encourages persons ages 40 years and older to get vaccinated.

During a visit to the Ministry of Health’s vaccination site earlier today, members of the Guyana Defence Force were observed assisting in the documentation process.

In March, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said 400 army and other trained personnel would assist in this exercise to expedite the vaccination process.

DPI spoke with several persons who encouraged others to get vaccinated.

Former Chief Executive Officer at the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Lelon Saul took his COVID-19 vaccine

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Mr. Lelon Saul said it is important that everyone is vaccinated as Guyana is experiencing another surge of the disease.

“I feel good about it and certainly, I would want to encourage all those who are eligible to take the vaccine to take it because we can ill afford to get sick or to die prematurely and, certainly, taking this vaccine will prevent you from getting seriously ill,” he said.

Similarly, Mr. Ian Smith, said after observing the infection rate and following his wife’s advice, he thought it best to do his part and get immunised. “I want to encourage my colleagues, my friends and the rest of my family that it’s best to take the vaccine.”

Additionally, Mr. Mohamed Khan urged other Guyanese to use the opportunities to get immunised.

“Because of the information out there and the knowledge about what it can do for you, the safety it can guarantee you, I decided to take mine. It would be the wisest choice to make under the conditions and the way the pandemic is going,” he said.

The Ministry will be administering some 40,000 first doses of the vaccine and several hundred second doses during this week. The country’s vaccination campaign is being rolled out in phases. Currently, persons ages 40 years and older can visit any vaccination site across the country to receive their first doses.

Ms. Jean Kaymo said she was pleased to take the COVID-19 vaccine to ward off any instance of the infection