By: Indrawattie Natram

IN keeping with the Ministry of Health’s efforts to protect all frontline workers against the dreaded COVID-19 disease, scores of doctors, nurses and dental surgeons in Region Two on Wednesday received the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh was the first in line to receive the vaccine around 09:00hrs in the boardroom of the Suddie Public Hospital.

Moments later, he told the Guyana Chronicle that he was delighted to lead his team in taking the vaccine. Dr. Singh, who had tested positive for the virus several months ago, said he is satisfied that a dose of protection is in his system to provide immunity against the virus.

He commended the region’s frontline workers for their positive response to the vaccine and for taking it.

“I think it’s a timely initiative that will protect healthcare providers and provide that sense of protection for them. I am happy that the vaccines are available in Region Two and I am hoping that we can get for all frontline workers and the general public [immunised] so the region can be protected,” Dr. Singh added.

Medex Renota Singh, Nurse Shonette Jonas and Cedella Frazer of the National COVID-19 Task Force accompanied the vaccines from Georgetown.

Medex Singh disclosed that the process was smooth in Region Two and frontline workers had displayed mild symptoms.

She noted that the vaccines are being administered voluntarily and the targeted frontline workers include those on the task force, the doctors and nurses working at the Isolation and Quarantine facility, laboratory technicians, and the team that conducts screening/swabbing.

Medex Singh, explaining the vaccination process, said that the health worker would have to visit the triage area at the Suddie Public Hospital where the nurse on duty will fill a personal data sheet. Thereafter, the Data Entry Clerk will take additional information, after which the healthcare worker is directed to the vaccination site.

After receiving the vaccine, the worker is expected to be in the observation unit for about 15 minutes before being allowed to leave. Prior to leaving, they must collect an immunisation card which has the vaccine details.

MIXED FEELINGS

Meanwhile, the frontline workers who took the vaccine displayed mixed emotions. Many of them were in the waiting area since 08:00hrs.

Doctor Goolcharan Dyal immediately after taking the vaccine said he was happy that he took it. He said that he opted to take it after mustering courage from his colleagues at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to Dr. Dyal, the process was painless and he feels much safer knowing that the vaccine is in his system.

Another doctor, Nareefa Cozier, told this publication that she was nervous at first but after taking the vaccine she felt much better. Dr. Cozier said she works in the Maternity Department and many times would come into contact with positive mothers.

Knowing that she has been vaccinated makes her feel safe, she added.

Subsequently, Sabrena Harrychan, a dental surgeon, said she visited the vaccination site with full energy to take the dose. Harrychan said that she is exposed to the virus and believes that it is within her right to make the decision to take it.

Another dental surgeon, Kevin Sooklall, said so far he has not had an adverse reaction to the vaccine. Sooklall, who is attached to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity, added that he is very happy that he took it and is therefore advising his colleagues to come on board and take the vaccine.

The doses were administered by Community Health Worker (CHW) Lashana Peters and Midwife Diane Sandy.

The vaccine will be used to protect persons aged 18 years and older against COVID-19, which is caused by a virus called coronavirus (SARS- CoV2).

The vaccine stimulates the body’s immune system and causes it to produce its protection (antibodies) against the virus. It is injected into a muscle and is given in two doses. The second dose is given 12 weeks after the first injection and according to the Ministry of Health, workers must return for their second dose to complete the vaccination process.

The ministry has advised that although frontline workers are taking the vaccine, it is important that they continue adhering to the COVID-19 precautions after receiving the doses.

Persons are advised to continue wearing a mask, to avoid crowds, clean hands and surfaces regularly, keep a distance of six feet from others, and self-isolate and book a test if experiencing any symptoms.