-mild symptoms experienced

By: Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, has disclosed that a total of 87 frontline workers took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week and thus far, only instances of mild symptoms have been reported.

The healthcare professionals are attached to the Laboratory, Maternity Department and the Isolation, and Quarantine Unit of the Suddie Public Hospital and the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity. Doctors and nurses working on the region’s COVID-19 Task Force also received the vaccine. They are expected to receive the second dose on May 12.

Dr. Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that the vaccination process was smooth with no reports of any severe reaction.

The RHO, who was first in line to take the vaccine, said he experienced mild symptoms which included a mild fever and pain in his arm.

Other doctors and nurses who took the vaccine related that they too had pain in their arm the following day. However, the workers told this publication that they are feeling better and are much more confident while at work.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Region Two on Wednesday morning. It was accompanied by Medex Renota

Singh, and Nurses Shonette Jonas and Cedella Frazer of the National COVID-19 Task Force.

The vaccine was administered by Community Health Worker, Lashana Peters, and Midwife, Diane Sandy.

The vaccine is 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 twelve 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 vaccines, 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.