Nearly 57,000 persons are to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic today (February 17), says Acting Minister of Health Prof. Channa Jayasumana.

The persons vaccinated will include those who interact closely with the public in the Western Province.

The vaccination will be carried out under the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Jayasumana said.

Joining TV Derana breakfast show ‘Derana Aruna’ this morning, Prof. Jayasumana stated that 27,018 vaccinations will be carried out in the Colombo District, while 17,622 in the Gampaha District and 11,710 in the Kalutara District.

Accordingly, all persons of age between 30 to 60 years in identified Grama Niladhari Divisions within the following Medical of Officer of Health (MOH) jurisdictions:

Colombo District: Kolonnawa, Gothatuwa, Moratuwa, Egoda Uyana, and Hanwella 
Kalutara District: Agalawatta, Bandaragama, Matugama, Panadura, Horana, Beruwala, and Kalutara
Gampaha District: Gampaha, Attanagalla, Negombo, Seeduwa, Mahara, Biyagama, Wattala, Minuwangoda, Ragama, Ja-Ela, and Kelaniya

According to Prof. Jayasumana, it has been decided to leave a 10-week gap between the first dose and the second dose of the vaccine.

“It has been observed that nearly 70 percent protection is obtained from the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine after 3 weeks from the administration. The second dose will further increase its effectiveness.

Initially, it [the second dose] was said to be given in about 4 weeks. But so far, we have seen, with data from around the world, that the time gap between the two doses can be further extended. Accordingly, we have decided to keep a gap of 10 weeks.”

Prof. Jayasumana further said that Sri Lanka is able to procure the needed amount of second doses and that the confirmation has been received on it.
“Have no doubt about it. Those who receive the vaccine will be informed today itself of the date they should come for the second dose. We have the needed stock of vaccines for the second dose and we will receive them.”