Guyana runs out of yellow fever vaccine

… new shipment to arrive soon – Public Health Ministry

A shortage of the yellow fever vaccine has struck the nation amid a mad rush to obtain the medication, in light of the recent outbreak of the disease in Angola.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton said emergency efforts were being taken to procure more vaccines from Brazil and they were expected to arrive in Guyana within the next two weeks.

The outbreak of the fatal disease in Angola prompted several countries to impose a travel requirement for the yellow fever vaccination. Guyana, as part of the Latin American region with risk of yellow fever, is listed as one of the countries whose residents would be required to be immunised and issued with a certificate prior to travel.

Dr George Norton said emergency efforts were being taken to procure more vaccines from Brazil

The great inflow of persons to get vaccinated resulted in an unexpected shortage, as before, moves could be made to restock the shelves, the vaccination was depleted.

According to the Berbice Regional Health Service, over 9000 yellow fever vaccines were administered within the space of three weeks in that county.

Persons needing the vaccination to travel within the next 14 days are likely to delay or alter their plans, owing to the absence of the vaccine.

Earlier reports indicate that the shortage being experienced was not as a result of lack of funding, but because of the global demand for the vaccine. (Devina Samaroo)