In a historic move to strengthen its healthcare system, Guyana’s Ministry of Health officially launched the country’s first National Influenza Vaccine Programme on Friday, beginning at the Eccles Health Centre. The initiative aims to reduce the spread of influenza, protect vulnerable populations, and enhance national health security.
The vaccine will be administered annually to priority groups, including pregnant women, children under 15, the elderly, and healthcare workers. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said Guyana procured 15,000 doses for this year, which are set to expire within 12 months. The flu season in Guyana typically runs from August through the end of the year.
Registered Nurse/Midwife Tenisha Hope was the first person to receive the vaccine, marking the official rollout. “This moment marks a major step in strengthening our healthcare system, protecting our most vulnerable, and aligning Guyana with global best practices in disease prevention,” Dr. Anthony said.
Highlighting the global burden of influenza, Dr. Anthony noted that the disease affects about one billion people worldwide annually, with three to five million developing severe illness and up to 650,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “Influenza is an acute viral respiratory disease, mainly caused by influenza A and B viruses. The virus changes every year, which is why annual vaccination is necessary,” he explained.
Dr. Anthony also emphasized Guyana’s progress in influenza surveillance, including participation in the WHO FluNet reporting system and contributing viral samples to inform the formulation of vaccines. “We’ve already sent samples from Guyana that were used to formulate this year’s vaccine, meaning Guyana is actively contributing to the global fight against influenza,” he said.
The Health Minister reassured the public of the vaccine’s safety, noting that side effects are generally mild, such as slight fever or soreness at the injection site, and stressed that the benefits far outweigh any minor discomfort.
Dr. Garoma Denbeli, Health Systems and Services Advisor for PAHO/WHO, praised Guyana’s initiative, noting that influenza is highly contagious but preventable. He reiterated PAHO/WHO’s support for the nationwide rollout of the vaccination programme.
Dr. Anthony described the initiative as “not just another health programme,” but a comprehensive step to strengthen healthcare, safeguard vulnerable populations, and save lives.
