COVID-19 vaccines: 50,000 of Russia’s Sputnik V, 100,000 of AstraZenca’s to arrive soon – Health Minister

In the coming weeks, Guyana would be receiving 50,000 of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, with another 50,000 to arrive each week until the tranche of 200,000 is met, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said Monday during his daily COVID-19 update.

Along with the Sputnik V vaccine, Minister Anthony said Guyana will receive the first tranche of 100,800 Astrazenca vaccines from COVAX soon expected to reach our shores.

The Sputnik V vaccine was reportedly developed by Russia’s state-run Gamaleya Institute and is 91.4 percent effective, based on interim late-stage trial results, a report by Al Jeezera outlined.

The report detailed that the Sputnik V vaccine has already been used to inoculate 200,000 high risk persons across Russia since given the stamp of approval last August.

This increase in vaccines will help to lower the age limit of persons who can take the vaccines and would allow other frontline workers to receive the jab, Dr. Anthony explained, with teachers being looked at for the next round.

“We are trying to source more vaccines globally but as you can imagine, we have a big challenge. All countries around the world now are trying to get vaccines. The source of vaccines are few, there are just a few global manufacturers and everybody is going to the same source so there is a big competition.

“But nevertheless, we are trying to make sure that we are able to get the vaccines that we need so that we can immunize our adult population in Guyana,” Minister Anthony said.

At present, Government has seen a positive turnout for its COVID-19 immunization rollout campaign with close to 20,000 Guyanese already receiving their vaccines.

To keep the ball rolling, Government is currently in the process of increasing vaccination sites countrywide to ensure that every Guyanese is protected.

This would be completed in the new week.

On another positive note, Dr. Anthony revealed too that in some regions, almost 100% of health care providers have been immunized, with the numbers increasing daily.

The Health Minister expressed satisfaction that more elderly citizens are coming forward to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. With the increase in vaccination sites, he sought to remain community leaders to play their part in helping Guyana’s elderly population to come out and take the jab.