People hesitant to get COVID booster shots: Health DG

16 December 2021 09:05 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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The Health Ministry has observed public hesitancy in getting the booster dose of COVID-19, Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardena said today.

He told a news briefing that it would be really alarming and dreadful if people continued to do so.

“There was no reason for any eligible person to refuse the booster shot as it strengthens their immunity. This helps people keep coronavirus at bay and prevent one from succumbing to the virus. The immunity you got from the past doses needs a boost to protect you further,” he stressed.

“Besides, in a juncture where Omicron is posing a huge threat not only worldwide but also in Sri Lanka, it is imperative to get the booster dose,” Dr Gunawardena added.

Otherwise, he said things could be detrimental creating uncertainties in the country. (Sheain Fernandopull

Comments - 15

Roisin Thursday, 16 December 2021 09:57 PM

It must be because of the bad, contradicting, even false information people are getting from the so called experts. People don't trust the health service anymore. Last week I even read a comment in this newspaper of an elderly person, asking if it is safe for him or her to get a booster vaccine after an heart surgery. Where on earth is the cardiologist? Why do they have to ask valid information in a newspaper?

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Kikazaru Thursday, 16 December 2021 10:01 PM

The reason for people to shun the vaccine is because the health authorities have not explained the functions and mechanism of the vaccine. Could be that the majority of health professions too do not know much about it. This include specialist doctors. It seems people think the vaccine may be harmful to their help.

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Fearful Thursday, 16 December 2021 10:23 PM

It's because people cannot survive with the booster shot alone. People must be afford to eat and provide healthy foods to their family. When people are faced with all sorts of problems how can you expect them to go for the booster. Most of the people are experiencing fever after the booster.

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Antonita Thursday, 16 December 2021 10:59 PM

Why do you think the flu jab is developed new every year? Why do you think the same flu jab is not administered year on year? It’s because flu is a viral infection that obtains newer and challenging strains. The vaccine is modified accordingly and even then only has a 40% efficacy rate! Despite this, there are many years when the flu jab has failed miserably! What makes you think the COVID vaccines are different? Omicron has 43 mutations compared to Delta with 13-16! But out of scaremongering/fear mongering/Political pressure and desperation people will take it. However some are able to make decisions for themselves. When Moderna’s CEO said it won’t work, Pfizer’s CEO says it works! Both use the same technology! Are you equipped to assess any severe allergies before the Pfizer booster? Are you able to treat people with severe allergies immediately after vaccination? All you can say is People are hesitant!

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Man Friday, 17 December 2021 09:06 AM

Of course. The country is detrimental since Rajapakshas' have been at the wheel.

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Aviator Friday, 17 December 2021 09:13 AM

These people talk like idiots. They don't know how many people are suffering after receiving the initial 2 doses. For many, underlying health issues have resurfaced drastically.

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Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 17 December 2021 09:14 AM

Antonita's comments gives insight to vaccine efficacy.

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Godayata Magic Friday, 17 December 2021 09:42 AM

Finally Medias are posting negative comments against the vaccine. May be even the media personalities might be tired of vaccine business. Youtube removed the dislike button when people started disliking posts that promotes vaccines. Media contributed in huge to make this a global pandemic. Had these medias respected the views of people there wouldn't have been a Pandemic.

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Mano Friday, 17 December 2021 12:05 PM

Its because people have realised that it does more harm than good!

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Worried Citizen Friday, 17 December 2021 01:08 PM

No doubt, there is information that people are going to their eternal resting place after the booster. There is no guarantee from any authority if this could be fatal.

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ReaderD Friday, 17 December 2021 02:14 PM

EXPLAIN CLEARLY why booster essential. How effective is 2nd jab after 3 and 6 months for seniors and others. What is effective period for booster jab. Why not wait for 6 months before booster. Experts Doctors are all vague.

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Azeri Friday, 17 December 2021 02:56 PM

A person who refused the vaccine and was writing rubbish here, finally asked for the vaccine at the the death bed. It was too late.

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Frustrated Friday, 17 December 2021 04:50 PM

DG: people are so frustrated and we prefer a gun shot instead of a booster shot.

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GHT Friday, 17 December 2021 10:15 PM

Yeah! "Frustrated" was correct in his comments; GUNSHOT is better than SLOW-POISON.

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Jab Jab Sunday, 19 December 2021 08:19 AM

That's because people have been confused by the health authorities who say one thing today and another thing tomorrow. Haven't they pontificated over and over again that the two jabs and the booster dose isn't enough to be safe from the virus???

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