Guyana Introduces Influenza Vaccine to Strengthen Population Protection

Georgetown, Guyana, 30 September 2025- On 19 September 2025, the Ministry of Health of Guyana officially introduced the seasonal influenza vaccine into the national immunization schedule, marking a historic milestone in the country's public health system. The launch, held at the Eccles Health Centre under the theme "Strengthening Systems, Guiding Growth, Protecting Lives through Influenza Vaccination", reflects Guyana's commitment to reducing the burden of respiratory diseases and safeguarding its most vulnerable populations.

Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory illness, causes an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and up to 650,000 deaths worldwide each year. In Guyana, seasonal attack rates among healthcare workers and hospitalized patients have ranged from 30% to 50%, underscoring the urgent need for prevention. The vaccine, a trivalent formulation protecting against H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B (Victoria lineage), is safe, effective, and provided free of charge at health facilities nationwide. It will be administered annually, prioritizing healthcare workers, children, older adults, pregnant women, and persons with chronic conditions.

At the launch, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, stressed the importance of vaccination in saving lives. To build public confidence, Dr. Anthony, along with healthcare workers, community elders, and members of the press, received the vaccine on site. "Influenza is not as harmless as we sometimes believe. With vaccination, we can protect our vulnerable populations while also safeguarding our frontline health workers," he noted.

Guyana's introduction of influenza vaccination makes it the 42nd country in the Region of the Americas to include the vaccine for priority groups. The initiative is backed by significant advances in national surveillance, including the recognition of the National Public Health Laboratory as a WHO-designated National Influenza Centre and Guyana's active participation in the global FluNet reporting system. These efforts contribute valuable virological data to inform seasonal vaccine composition worldwide.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through its Comprehensive Family Immunization Program and Health Emergencies Department, has provided technical support in developing the national influenza vaccination policy, training healthcare workers, and facilitating vaccine procurement through the PAHO Revolving Fund. Dr. Garoma Denbeli, PAHO/WHO Advisor for Health Systems and Services, emphasized: "Annual influenza vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in preventing the spread of disease within healthcare facilities."

In addition to vaccination, the Ministry of Health continues to strengthen surveillance of respiratory diseases, including Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), through viral detection at designated health facilities. PAHO/WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Guyana in advancing influenza vaccination, enhancing surveillance systems, and strengthening pandemic preparedness.

With this landmark step, Guyana reinforces its commitment to protecting health, reducing hospitalizations, and building a more resilient healthcare system for all.

Informed by: Dr Janice Woolford, Specialist, Family and Community Health, CIM Focal Point , Dr Rainier Escalada, Advisor for Communicable Diseases and Ms Angela Hoyte, KMC Focal Point, PAHO Guyana Office. Dr Martha Velandia, Regional Advisor Immunizations, PAHO/WDC, Dr Francisco Nogareda, Influenza Focal Point, PAHO/WDC.