As a number of countries around the world begin vaccinations for the seasonal influenza, Guyana does not have the vaccine available.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Daniel Singh told Stabroek News that there is no influenza vaccine in stock and noted that this is linked to the shortcomings of the previous government in purchasing drugs.
In June, Stabroek News had reported that the flu vaccine was available to persons who were interested in receiving the vaccine after the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) had urged countries in the Americas to continue vaccinations for other conditions during the global pandemic. PAHO related that this would separate persons who may have flu or flu-like symptoms and those who may suspect that they have COVID-19.
Singh stated that while Guyana does not have the influenza vaccine, there are plans in place to have a vaccination outreach as there is another vaccine in stock, the Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent/PNEUMOVAX 23, called “PCV23”. PCV23 is normally used on persons over 65 years and children older than two years who have serious long-term health issues. It provides immunisation of up to five years against 23 types of viruses. According to Singh, the PCV23 vaccine will be used during the upcoming outreach to assist in immunizing persons who are prone to falling ill, like elderly persons and persons who have underlying conditions.
