Health still a concern of the Government

Aug 31, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Amidst elections and accompanying fanfare, I note that Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, made the wonderful announcement that “Influenza (flu) vaccines will soon be made available to all senior citizens across the country, (thereby) further strengthening Guyana’s prevention-focused approach to healthcare.”

Quickly, I like to point out that the influenza vaccine is not to be treated lightly important because it is the most effective way to prevent serious illnesses, complications, hospitalization, and even death from the flu. Furthermore, it helps to prevent the virus from spreading to others, and this must always be in our thoughts. This vaccine, from a medical standpoint now, protects by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against circulating influenza viruses. So, getting an annual flu shot is highly recommended for nearly everyone 6 months of age and older, particularly those at high risk, such as young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

I advise that we all read and follow that influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the influenza A and B viruses. Every year, influenza spreads in the communities, generally in the late fall and winter months. This explains why, in cold countries, the ‘shots’ are so common and matter of fact.

On the flipside, we need to dispel the nonsensical myths about the influenza vaccine. I have heard talks that “The vaccine can give you the flu” (false, as it contains killed or weakened viruses and cannot cause infection); “Healthy people don’t need it” (false, as anyone can get the flu and spread it, and it also protects vulnerable people), and “You only need it once” (false, because the virus changes annually, requiring a new vaccine each year).

Editor, health is wealth and a healthy body is our vehicle for everything in life, from school to work, and of course recreation.

Getting to the specifics, I ask that the public pay attention to the reality that the Minister of Health pointed out, that is, “The vaccine is important because studies have shown that people 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications when compared with younger and healthier adults. The increased risk is due in part to a decline in one’s immune deficiency as a result of age.”

He stressed that “While flu seasons vary in severity, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu complications. In recent years, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that between 70 per cent and 85 per cent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred among people 65 years and older, and between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.”

Let us be wise and cooperate against any preventable health issue getting a foothold in the country. Back in February of this year, the People’s Progressive Pary Government allocated some $28 billion for drugs and medical supplies, in order to ensure that the basic necessities for treating patients be readily available, with a particular focus on expanding vaccine storage capacity and increasing outreach in remote areas. The Minister’s utterance exemplifies this: “Very soon, we will also introduce the influenza vaccine for all our seniors,” the minister declared, underscoring that prevention is a cornerstone of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s health strategy.

Yours truly,

Raymond Anderson

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