MANY youths, on Saturday, seized the opportunity to get vaccinated during a vaccination drive held in the compound of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC). They were among those who attended the launch of the Guyana Online Academy Learning (GOAL) Programme, where doses of the Sputnik V vaccine were being offered to persons 18 years and over.

According to 18-year-old Swasti Saytoo of Zorg Village, she decided to get vaccinated as she will soon be travelling to another country and wanted to ensure she was safe. The teen who is one of the region’s top performers at the 2020 CSEC examination encouraged other young people to take the vaccine.

Another eighteen-year-old, Amalika Persaud of Queenstown Village, told the Guyana Chronicle that she opted to take the vaccine after realising that it was safe to do so. She said she has been watching the news in India and is concerned about what is happening there. Persaud said that at first she was scared to take the vaccine. She related that the vaccination process was very smooth. Persaud, called on all young people 18 and above to ensure they protect themselves by taking the vaccine.

Sherfoni Mohabir told this publication that she was very nervous at first but now that she has taken it, she feels much better. The teenager said that she wanted to safeguard herself, and it was for that reason she opted to take the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Vickash Persaud said he does not regret taking the vaccine. Persaud said he and his friend decided to take the vaccine together. At first they were nervous, but, after the assurances of a frontline worker, they felt much better and comfortably took their first dose of the vaccine.

Like Persaud, many teenagers rushed to take the vaccine during the vaccination drive. Many of them said they have been researching the vaccine and are now convinced enough to take it.

The Sputnik vaccine stimulates the body’s natural defences causing it to produce its protection in the form of antibodies. The 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 vaccine is injected into a person’s muscle and is given in two doses.

The Ministry of Health has advised those who were vaccinated to continue to take precautions. If one is experiencing symptoms of the virus, one should immediately book a test. The Pomeroon-Supenaam region currently has 85 active COVID-19 cases.