Over 100,000 first dose AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V available — Dr. Ramsammy

…still a shortage of second dose Sputnik-V

As pressure mounts for Guyanese to be vaccinated to access certain Government and private services, Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has announced that the Ministry has over 100,000 first doses of AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sputnik V available for vaccination.

However, Dr. Ramsammy noted that while there is also enough AstraZeneca and Sinopharm for those due for their second doses, Guyana continues to experience shortages of second dose Sputnik-V.

Over 257,000 in Guyana have received their first dose while over 142,000 have received their second, marking an over 115,000 difference. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony recently reported that the Government is also trying to source vaccines for children between the ages of 12 and 18. However, the Government is hoping to procure the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines which have been approved for emergency use in the United States.

“Recently, there have been reports that in some countries they have been using Sinopharm but we’re awaiting the data to see whether or not Sinopharm can be used,” Dr. Anthony said.

Questioned whether the vaccines for children in Guyana will be optional, the Minister did not answer directly but stated that there is an existing immunization law in Guyana pertaining to children which the Government will be guided by.