–as preliminary data show 90 per cent of the residents vaccinated against the disease

A SIGNIFICANT number of persons living in villages along Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), have already been vaccinated against COVID-19.
This is according to Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Inderjeet Persaud, who estimated that the vaccination figures to be approximately 90 per cent of the residents.  On Wednesday, the farming communities along Branch Road benefitted from a fourth vaccination exercise hosted at the Mortice Primary School. It attracted close to 40 persons who received their first jab of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. “The residents have responded positively to the vaccination; it has been good so far,” Persaud said during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. The radio personality explained this reception from persons did not come without challenges, since many of the villagers were skeptical about the myths and negative information being peddled about the COVID-19 vaccines.

“People were concerned about the side effects. We were able to convince them not to listen to people saying negative things and trust in the science,” Persaud related.
He attributed the notable growth in the vaccination numbers to the efforts of the CDC members. “We went house-to-house in Mahaicony, Branch Road, ensuring that people understand the seriousness of COVID-19, the precautions they should take, and the importance of the vaccination,” Persaud said.
He said that almost every elderly resident along the Branch Road corridor has been vaccinated; from Perth Village all the way to Moraikobai in the Mahaicony Creek.
“There are likely around 70 people who have also taken their second dose; those are those who got the Sinopharm vaccine, including me,” Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle.
As the Guyana Chronicle visited the Mortice Primary School, Bhagmati Mahadeo of Company Village, Branch Road, had just completed her 15 minutes of post-vaccination wait, and was preparing to leave the venue.

She said that the process was quick and simple, and that she was feeling perfectly fine after being administered her first dose of the Sputnik V.
“When you go, dem explain that the vaccine come from Russia, and dem explain the side effects and so,” Mahadeo related.
The mother of four said that she was quite eager to become vaccinated, knowing full well that it would protect her and her family from the deadly coronavirus.
Mahadeo was accompanied by Kavi Doobay, who also took the vaccine. She wasted no time in hailing the process.
“It was well organised and the nurses, they were very polite,” Doobay noted.

She admitted that initially, the rumors and misinformation about the side effects of the vaccine prevented her from becoming vaccinated. However, having interacted with older relatives and neighbours who had received both jabs of their vaccine, Doobay said she was motivated to become immunised. “I’m happy that I come and I take it… I’m happy that I come and I take it; at least it is going to be safe for myself, taking precautions against this deadly virus, because I have kids too; and a family at home,” Doobay said.
Rice farmer, Stevenarine Sasenarain, views the act of getting vaccinated as a duty to the nation, since countrywide immunisation helps to protect the vulnerable persons, who are still unable to get vaccinated. “Especially like the children them and so,” Sasenarain added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by other residents who have committed to playing their part in keeping the residents of Branch Road, Mahaicony safe.