Guyana is expecting some 3,800 COVID-19 vaccines in February and March of this year through the COVAX mechanism, the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali reported today. These vaccines will be offered free of cost to frontline workers, the elderly and patients with comorbidities. It was also revealed that an additional 20,000 vaccines will be donated to Guyana from the Government of China.
President Ali, while making it clear that taking the vaccines will not be mandatory, stressed the importance of being vaccinated to reduce the risk of transmission and death. Guyana, today, confirmed its 176th COVID fatality.
Recognising that COVAX can only offer vaccines to immunize 20 percent of the population, President Ali said that the government is exploring alternatives, including but not limited to, having discussions with primary vaccine producers and suppliers such as Pfizer and Moderna. The government is also working with regional and international blocs to acquire additional supplements.
“We’re also working with CARICOM, the Organisation of Islamic Corporation and the European Union for a quota of vaccines. At the bilateral levels, the Government of Guyana has had productive discussions with the Government of India, the Government of China and the Government of Russia…Discussions are ongoing, and arrangements to acquire vaccines from these countries will be finalized very shortly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony gave assurance that systems will be in place for the receipt, storage and distribution of the vaccines.
