Dear Editor,
I’m pro-vaccine and fully vaccinated four months now.
However, I do feel the need for the public to be educated on the reason why there is a need for mass vaccination at this time.
The main reason why we are encouraging folks to be vaccinated is to achieve what we call “herd immunity”. This is where so many persons in the population are vaccinated, creating a strong immune system that they cover those who are not vaccinated and the virus hits so many resistant persons it stops thriving and dies away. If herd immunity is not achieved in a timely manner, those of us who are vaccinated will serve no purpose. We are responsible for each other’s lives and health in this pandemic.

I do agree that each person should be able to make a conscious, personal decision as to whether or not they wish to take the vaccine.
If we do not act soon, the virus will keep spreading and evolving into more dangerous forms (mutations).
Studies have shown that COVID-19 infection can lead to long term organ-system damages such as loss of function in parts of the lungs and erectile dysfunction ( difficulty in having and or maintaining an erection) in men.
So far in Region One (Barima Waini), over 50 per cent of the population has been vaccinated and there is no record of a single death due to the reception COVID 19 vaccines in this region.
It is true that everyone’s body operates differently.

We are living in the information and technology era where it is important to filter information and too much information can cause confusion.
There is a COVID-19 information page on Facebook that can be accessed for reliable information and PAHO/ WHO also have social media pages and websites where one can go to clarify doubts and understand more about the pandemic we are facing. There are posters and pamphlets with reliable information distributed across the country as well.
Let’s stay safe, have faith and help make our beautiful Guyana a safer place.
Please let’s do our part.
If your conscience leads you this way– don’t hesitate. Do get vaccinated today.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Susannah Isaacs