A BATCH of the special paediatric COVID-19 vaccines needed for children aged five to 11 years old finally arrived in Guyana last week, and the administration of these vaccines has begun. The immunisation of this group of children represents the near end of getting all people protected against the deadly disease, and I believe that children should get the ‘jabs’.
From the onset, it must be acknowledged that this is the first time children in Guyana would be able to benefit from these vaccines. First, vaccines were only available to adults. Then, as of August last year, teenagers started getting the Pfizer ‘jabs’.
It was envisaged that children would start receiving vaccines from November last year, but global shortages bedevilled those efforts. This meant that in January, when, arguably, Guyana saw its worst wave of COVID-19 to date, children did not have vaccine protection, and were squarely in harm’s way, unless other protective measures (wearing a mask, constant sanitsation, etc.) were rigidly maintained.
Now, however, Guyana has received 52,800 doses of the special children’s Pfizer vaccines as a donation from the Government of Spain, which can allow 26,400 children to be vaccinated (because the vaccine is given in two doses). Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony was quoted in reports as assuring the public that once the ‘jabs’ are administered without challenges, the government will work with additional partners to get more.
What I believe is noteworthy as well is that the Health Minister also related that about one-thirds of Guyana’s total of more than 60,000 COVID-19 cases have been children. Conservative estimates would illustrate that this means about 20,000 children contracted the virus. There are at least 15 known paediatric COVID-19 deaths.
I believe that parents should use this opportunity to get their children vaccinated. It is, quite literally, one of the few ways to keep children protected from COVID-19. And yes, protection is still much-needed.
It has been more than two years since the spread of the novel coronavirus was declared a pandemic; the deadly virus itself has been spreading for a bit longer. With growing population immunity; some natural and some through widespread vaccination, we are now seeing fewer deaths and infections than we once did.
But that does not mean the pandemic is over, because it certainly is not.
Earlier this week, during his COVID-19 update, Dr. Anthony also noted that there are about 1,000 active COVID-19 cases across the country. That, in itself, is a concerning number, but exacerbating concerns is that the Health Minister believes that the number of people infected might be much greater, due to limited testing or unreported positive cases.
If nothing else persuades you that it is still crucial to get children vaccinated, it should be those statements from Dr. Anthony. Essentially, there are scores of infected people interacting with us each day, and the possibility exists that the coronavirus can spread and infect any one of us.
Getting children vaccinated, just like getting adults and teenagers vaccinated, presents all with a good opportunity at helping to keep children safe, and helping to keep each other safe.
Before I end this column, permit me to acknowledge that hesitation, anxiety, and even fear are all normal feelings when mulling whether to get vaccinated. Though assurances of the safety of these vaccines have been plenty, these life-saving medical tools are still new, and I will concede that some amount of anxiety is warranted.
Despite being new, the ‘jabs’ have also been proven to safeguard people from experiencing the more serious and life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19. Specifically for children, research has shown that the special Pfizer vaccines are about 91 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children. And these vaccines for children have been approved and recommended by foreign regulators who have long informed medical decisions in Guyana.
So all-in-all, I hope that each parent capitalises on the opportunity to get their children vaccinated, and provide them with the much-needed protection against COVID-19.
Of course, consulting with a medical professional, such as a child’s paediatrician, is a prudent decision, particularly for children with underlying conditions requiring special assessment before vaccination.
If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com
