By: Indrawattie Natram

MORE than 25 policemen and women of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Monday received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Members of the Health Ministry’s vaccination team began administering the vaccine from as early as 09:00hrs in the canteen area at the Anna Regina Police Station.

Commander for Regional Division #2, Superintendent Crystal Robinson, said over 25 ranks came forward to take the vaccine. She is optimistic that the remaining ranks will also take it.

Superintendent Robinson had moments earlier taken the first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine; she said she was happy that she took it.

According to the senior policewoman, out of the 95 ranks in the region who were recently tested for COVID-19, six were found to be positive for the deadly virus. She said that those ranks are currently in home isolation. She urged the other ranks to take the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Lance Corporal Lisa Dey related that she took the vaccine to ensure that she is protected against the virus. Dey said that she was happy to learn that the vaccination team would be at the station to administer the vaccine to those who were interested.

“It’s an easy process. You just have to make up your mind and then once you have taken the vaccine you will be more confident,” she said.

Another rank, Simone Wallis said she was eager to take the vaccine. Now that she has, she said she feel much more comfortable.

Constable Herman Hardat of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), recalled being encouraged by the commander to take the vaccine. He said over the past few days, he has been researching and reading about the different vaccines.

According to Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh, over 5000 persons in the region have received their first dose. The AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines are currently available in the region, which has 39 active cases.

Dr. Singh is urging persons to take the vaccine to avoid becoming severely ill. He said apart from the permanent vaccination sites and mobile facilities, residents can visit the closest health centre to receive their doses.

He called on persons to act responsibly and to continue to wear their masks. He explained that even though persons would have taken the vaccine, it is important that they wear their masks correctly and regularly. He also advised persons to practise social distancing and to ensure that they sanitise their hands and homes regularly.

Dr. Ranjeev said the region’s plan is to ensure that over 1000 persons are vaccinated per day. The vaccines are available to persons 18 years and older.

The two vaccines that are available in the region will stimulate the body’s natural defences and cause it to produce its protection in the form of antibodies. The Sputnik V vaccine was documented as the first registered COVID-19 vaccine in the world on August 11, 2020. It is being manufactured by the Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), in collaboration with the Gamaleya Centre. The vaccines are usually injected into the person’s muscles and are given in two doses.

The Ministry of Health has advised that although persons are taking the vaccines, it is important that they continue to adhere to all COVID-19 precautions. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of the virus, they should take a test as soon as possible