More Amerindians taking Covid vaccines – Minister Sukhai

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai says she is pleased with the vaccination rate in hinterland villages, as the Government pushes to achieve herd immunity.

Speaking with DPI, the Minister said the Government is countering COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Amerindian communities by providing accurate information.

“I am pleased that they have come forward because in the very first instance they were some hesitations based on religion and based on misinformation.

But I believe that with a lot of encouragement and some more public education about usefulness of the vaccine; it can influence the individuals and residents to feel confident and comfortable that this is a vaccine, its purpose is to save lives.”

Minister Sukhai said while the vaccination rates vary in each region, she is pleased with the increasing numbers in Regions Six and Nine.

“Region Nine has the highest intake. In Region Six, we have a 26 per cent intake… Many factors have actually been affecting the distribution of the vaccine.

First of all, the floods, secondly the lack of transportation and communication to have the maximum in attendance when the team comes around, and the terrain.  When you do one round, you’re not necessarily able to come back very quickly and do another round because of the logistics of the area,” she explained.

Despite those challenges, the Ministry is ensuring every adult can access the vaccines. Minister Sukhai also encourages all Amerindians to seize the opportunity to take a COVID-19 vaccine when the mobile team arrives in their villages.

Meanwhile, over 230,000 persons have taken a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, putting the country closer to its target of vaccinating 500,000 persons.