The pace to have herd immunity against the COVID-19 Virus has slowed down as persons remain hesitant to take the COVID-19 Vaccines according to the Minister Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.
In the fight against the deadly COVID-19 Virus herd immunity is required. The Government is pushing to have some 80% of the Adult population vaccinated.
Over 229,846 persons have taken the first dose of the vaccine. That accounts for 47.2% of our adult population. While 103,029, have taken their second dose, which represents 21.2% of the adult population.
On such a note, it is required for an individual to take both does as a means of being fully vaccinated from the virus.
However, according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Anthony there has been a decline in the number of people being vaccinated leaving a worrying sign.
“Over the last couple of days we have seen more people coming in for the second dose, and fewer people coming for the first dose. So, that Is something we have to encourage people to come and get their first dose. They have the first dose available for everyone,” Dr. Anthony noted.
Over the past week, several persons, including members of Government, have complained about statements being made in the public that might have caused some level of hesitancy.
This, according to the Ministry of Health, in the past has been seen as irresponsible and should have not occurred knowing the nature of persons who are not vaccinated. They might become really ill with the virus, which might possibly lead to death.
Despite this, Dr. Anthony noted that he along with several agencies will look at having an assessment done to rectify the situation immediately.
“That’s what we are trying to figure out because in almost all the regions we have seen a decline in first dose vaccination. Initially we thought because of the floods people were not coming forward but in some of those areas the flood has eased up and we have not seen people coming out.
“So, we will do some assessment. We have been talking to the RHO in those Regions they have been reporting that people are more hesitant. We would have to see what is driving that hesitancy and work on maybe demystifying some of the things that people have in their minds,” Dr. Anthony added.
Guyana has so far recorded over 19,000 positive COVID-19 Cases, since March 2020, and over 450 deaths. According to the ministry the way out of the pandemic is for persons to be fully vaccinated since it has proven that no person who has been fully vaccinated has been hospitalized.
The Government has also indicated that it will provide enough vaccines for all despite the delay in second dose at the moment.
