Major setback for countrywide ‘COVID’ vaccination campaign; APNU+AFC blamed

Myths about the COVID-19 vaccines and questions over its efficacy have now slowed the momentum of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said on Tuesday.

He said in addition to the myths that people harbour, the APNU+AFC opposition’s call for a suspension of the use of the Russian-made Sputnik V has contributed to people becoming hesitant.

Sputnik V is the most administered vaccine in Guyana but the government was criticized by the Opposition for paying a high cost for the vaccines through a supplier in the United Arab Emirates.

In keeping with confirmation from the Russian manufacturer that Guyana’s Sputnik vaccines are authentic, Dr. Anthony said the Opposition’s reckless statements about fake vaccines here have made it even more difficult for healthcare workers to undo the damage.

He assured that work was being done in all regions to get people to better understand the importance of vaccination.

“We are working to counter the negativity caused by the Opposition and to still encourage people to dispel whatever myths they have and come out and get vaccinated.

“Guyana will not be safe until we have a lot of people getting these vaccines; we have to strive to get at least 80 – 85 per cent of our people immunised and we are still a far way from that,” the minister said.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Health, as of Monday, June 28, 2021, some 232, 599 people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; that accounts for 47.8% of the country’s adult population.

Meanwhile, of that number, only 107, 421 persons have received their second dose and account for the 22.1% of fully vaccinated persons in Guyana.