The Medical Council of Guyana on Saturday said the decision to use the Sputnik V vaccine to inoculate the populace against COVID-19 is supported by reassuring scientific data.

“Guyana and its neighbors have the requisite technical expertise to analyze scientific data and make appropriate recommendations to our policy makers. This was the basis for using the various Vaccines in Guyana – Independent technical analysis of Risk versus Benefits,” the Council said in a statement, which was issued in response to new concerns raised over the vaccine, which has yet to receive World Health Organization (WHO) approval.

The Council said while the vaccine was the first to be registered and is still awaiting official approval of the WHO, the data surrounding its use is reassuring. It further added that 74 countries to date have started using the vaccine based on evaluation of the data on safety, efficacy and availability. “There is no reason to expect denial of approval for this Vaccine from the WHO and other authorities in the coming weeks. This is the same process that has occurred with all of the other available Vaccines prior to WHO approval where countries have adopted a policy of “USE” pending approval after careful evaluation by their own technical team,” it added.

The Council also emphasised that all of the vaccines available in Guyana, including the Sputnik V, have a 100% record in preventing severe COVID-19 Infection, which was described as admission to the Intensive Care Unit, needing ventilatory support or death. “In fact, none of the 442 deaths recorded were seen in fully (2 doses) vaccinated persons,” it added, while also pointing out that there has been no overwhelming adverse events reported worldwide for any of the vaccines used in Guyana to date.

According to the Council, which is the regulatory body that monitors the functioning of the medical fraternity in Guyana, health care workers were among the first to benefit from the national vaccination programme and this has likely contributed significantly to reducing the adverse outcomes among the fraternity.

“The Medical Council of Guyana would wish that every resident of Guyana take advantage of the same protection as frontline workers and therefore urges our people to get vaccinated,” it added, while noting that the best COVID 19 vaccine to take is the one that you have available right now.

Every person above the age of 18 is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Guyana, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Council said persons with a history of severe allergic reactions should seek medical advice before considering the vaccines and are the only group who may not be medically suitable.