COVID-19: All eligible children in Reg. 9 vaccinated with first Pfizer dose

All of the children in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines- that is, children aged 12 years and older- have received at least a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

This was announced by the Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony during a recent visit to Lethem, in Region Nine.

The Health Minister, however, did not provide any other additional information, but called on parents to ensure that all of the children return for their second doses of the vaccines.

Locally, children older than 12 years are being vaccinated exclusively with the US-made Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.

This is so because these vaccines have received emergency use authorisation for children. And, this vaccine is given in two doses.

After Dr. Anthony’s announcement, the News Room was able to confirm that all children aged 12 to 17 in Region Nine have indeed received at least their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 2,425 first doses of this vaccine had been distributed.

Dr. Anthony also encouraged the adults to get vaccinated as well, emphasising that the COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to prevent people from experiencing the more severe and life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, on Monday during his daily COVID-19 update, the Health Minister noted that Region Nine was among the regions with a high COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

The breakdown of the first dose vaccination coverage for adults in each of the regions is as follows:

1. Region One (Barima-Waini): 79.1 per cent
2. Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam): 59.3 per cent
3. Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara): 69.1 per cent
4. Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica): 81.6 per cent
5. Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice): 72 per cent
6. Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne): 73.5 per cent
7. Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni): 72 per cent
8. Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni): 45 per cent
9. Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo): 73 per cent
10. Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice): 32.5 per cent

Overall, 372,398 adults (or 72.8 per cent of the targeted adult population) have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; 231, 729 adults (or 45.2 per cent) have been fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 26,391 children (or 36.2 per cent of this population) have received a first dose, while 17,379 children (or 22.5 per cent) have received both their first and second doses.