National Vaccine Task Force being set up

−to guide roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine

The Ministry of Health has started the process of creating a National Vaccine Task Force to spearhead its roll-out plan for a COVID-19 vaccine. This COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force would include representatives from the Ministry, government agencies and the private sector. 

Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony said people with specific skill sets would be required for the immunisation programme.  

“It would have persons who are familiar with immunisation and vaccine programmes, persons who we have trained but are in the private sector, who understand about cold storage and how to maintain refrigeration and things like that; they are going to be part of it. What we have is a blend of people who have the expertise.”

Dr. Anthony said other partners would come from the University of Guyana and the Joint Services.

“We are also working to get a few expert immunologists on board as well, so it’s a very diverse team, but all the members of that team are going to be absolutely essential as we roll out our plan. But, while we are putting together that team, we have already started to do some work in this area because we have to develop a vaccine preparedness plan.”

Minister Anthony said his team at the Ministry has already started drafting a training manual on how to administer the vaccine. They have also been examining facilities for cold storage. The procurement process has started for the types of refrigerators needed for the COVID-19 vaccine as well.