Approximately 50 elderly persons on Wednesday received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Enmore, East Coast Demerara Polyclinic, one of 13 health centres the Ministry of Health has rolled out its vaccination programme.
Stressing that the vaccine is safe and will reduce the chances of becoming severely ill or hospitalised if one were to contract the virus, the ministry said that the current target group is persons 60 years and older.
Eligible persons were required to produce a valid form of identification before taking the jab. Nurse Danisia Semple, during an interview with the News Room, said that the vaccination process is simple and especially needed in a time like this.
“I would like to encourage persons, especially the elderly to come and have their vaccination done because elderly persons are one of the most vulnerable persons for COVID-19 and in order for us to eliminate COVID-19 in Guyana and in the world, persons need to be vaccinated and take their vaccination seriously,” Nurse Semple encouraged.
She further stated that being vaccinated is an act of being responsible.
Elders, who received the first dose of the vaccine on Wednesday, shared with the News Room their appreciation and encouraged those who are contemplating taking the jab.
Clarine Williams travelled all the way from Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, to the East Coast facility to ensure she was vaccinated.
“I was so excited when I heard about the vaccine and I’m advising people out there, elderly people, to come and take the vaccine. You put trust in God, not the rumours you’re hearing,” Williams stated.
She added that she is grateful to receive the vaccine and is so far feeling well.
Another resident, Albert Menzies, moments after taking the jab, cautioned the public to adhere to the guidelines set out by the COVID-19 Task Force.
“I see a lot of people walking around, not social distancing, not wearing their mask and going and drinking and partying,” Menzies observed.
The Enmore Polyclinic is one of the 13 locations the ministry has made the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines available, as of Wednesday, March 10.
Additional locations will be announced shortly as the ministry continues to roll out the vaccination programme. These locations are expected to open from 08:00h to 16:00h. (Dinica Paul)
