SCORES of frontline workers in Region Two who took the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on February 18, turned up at various health centres on Wednesday to take the second dose.
The 87 workers include doctors, nurses and other categories of healthcare professionals who are attached to various departments across the region, such as the laboratory, maternity, isolation, and the quarantine Unit. Those on the COVID-19 Task Force also took the vaccine.
The second dose completes the vaccine process for the workers and will help to prevent serious illness if they contract the virus.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, who was among those taking the second shot, said the vaccination process went smoothly. He said that it was just a prick and that he was not experiencing a lot of discomfort.

Dr. Singh said to date, over 500 of the region’s frontline workers have received their first dose of the vaccine. He said most of them are nearing time to take the second dose. He urged them to complete the vaccination process by visiting the health centres on the dates given to them.
He used the opportunity to congratulate all the workers who came forward to be vaccinated and also encouraged all those who haven’t taken the jab to do so. Dr. Singh emphasised that the region has sufficient vaccines for everyone to get the two doses.
Other doctors and nurses who took the vaccine related that they have experienced mild pain in their arms. However, they said that discomforted has subsided and that they are feeling much better.

The workers told the Guyana Chronicle that now that they are fully vaccinated they will be much more confident and comfortable at work.
Medex Renota Singh, Nurse Shonette Jonas and Cedella Frazer of the National COVID-19 Task Force accompanied the first set of vaccines from Georgetown to the region on February 17. The vaccine is available to all Guyanese 18 years and over. It stimulates the immune system and causes it to produce protection in the form antibodies. 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, persons must return for their second dose to be fully vaccinated.
The ministry has advised that although frontline workers are taking the vaccine, it is important that they continue to adhere to all COVID-19 precautions especially wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, cleaning hands and surfaces regularly and keeping a distance of six feet. Persons are also advised to self-isolate and book a test if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.