A large quantity of Sputnik 2nd dose shots arrived in Guyana last night and the Ministry of Health will begin administering the vaccines on a “first come, first serve” basis from Wednesday across the country.

There are over 80,000 persons who have been waiting on their second dose of the vaccine for months. News Source understands that about 50,000 doses arrived last night.

“We know that there are a number of persons that are waiting and so what we will be doing is a first-come, first-serve basis, so I want to really encourage people to come out, use the vaccine so they can be fully vaccinated”, Anthony said during his daily COVID-19 update.

The Russian-made Sputnik vaccine has been administered to over 200,000 Guyanese as part of the government’s vaccination drive.

The manufacturer faced a number of delays in delivery which has affected the vaccination programmes in several countries.

The Guyana Government has come under severe criticism over its middle-man deal to acquire the vaccine. The vaccines were procured through a United Arab Emirates Sheik at a higher price, yet there were delays in delivery.

The Government made a decision recently to use diplomatic channels with the Russian Government to acquire the second dose shots.

But now many persons in Guyana are concerned that the US will be implementing vaccine requirements for arriving passengers and is unlikely to recognise the Sputnik vaccine since it is still to be granted WHO approval.

The Health Ministry is encouraging persons to still get vaccinated since the vaccine remains safe and has a very high efficacy rate.

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