COMMENDING the Ministry of Health (MoH) for its exemplary dedication and aggressive approach towards immunisation and the achievement of herd immunity against COVID-19, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called on citizens to get vaccinated.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the PSC said it noted with great concern the continuous rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths “which continues to endanger the lives and threaten the economic welfare of all citizens of Guyana”. With vaccination currently being the only protection against the virus, the PSC said it is imperative for every citizen, 18 years and over, to ensure they go out and get vaccinated. The body called on businesses to also ensure they do their part in encouraging employees to get vaccinated.
“The PSC urges the business community to do their part in actively encouraging their employees to be vaccinated so as to ensure the health and safety of all at work,” the statement said.

It added that: “It is vital that employers continue to educate their employees on the need to be vaccinated. The Ministry of Health is ready to provide full support to employers who may require assistance in providing information to their employees and in arranging for their vaccination.”
With more than 210,777 persons administered the first dose of the vaccine, the PSC noted that it will continue to support the government through the MoH in its national vaccination programme and encourages every adult citizen to take the vaccine.
“While vaccination is not mandatory in Guyana, it is a critically important public health measure in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and it is, therefore, imperative for every citizen, 18 years and over, to be vaccinated,” the statement said.

The PSC continues to work closely with the government, health authorities, and other stakeholders to assist in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 on lives and businesses. In addition, the PSC and its member organisations have contributed to several outreaches across Guyana.
The PSC also called on persons to desist from spreading “deliberate misrepresentations” about the COVID-19 vaccines.
“The PSC notes instances of deliberate misrepresentation and myths targeted at the vaccination rollout in the form of conspiracy theories and fake stories. With more than 43 per cent of Guyana’s population vaccinated, there has been no adverse effect caused by the injections. Minor side effects such as a fever, chills, pain at the injection site are common side effects of any vaccine,” the statement said.