Health authorities distressed as booster hesitancy grows

13 January 2022 08:14 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

A A A

With Sri Lanka on the verge of an Omicron-fueled wave, Health authorities are extremely concerned over hesitancy shown by the general public in receiving the booster dose despite constant reminders that Omicron can be contained with the booster shot.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, COVID-19 Coordinator Dr. Anwar Hamdani said a considerable reluctance is shown by people in getting themselves boosted over baseless myths.

“Although we expected the percentage of people who receive the booster dose to be around 50 percent, the percentage currently stands at 20 percent,” he stated.

“If people continue to forgo the booster, everyone will have to pay the price in the long run. Thus, we urge people to get the booster shot as early as possible without being carried away by myths,” Dr Hamdani stressed.

Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardena said the Health Ministry has decided to expedite the vaccination drive considering the reluctance shown by general public.

“Accordingly, three additional vaccination centers will be set up in each MOH area. Besides, all hospitals have also been informed to keep their vaccination centers open until 8.00 pm to facilitate people to get the vaccine,” he underscored.

“Furthermore, anyone who is unable to reach a vaccination center, can inform the nearest MOH office so that a mobile service could be arranged,’ he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 9

Dinesh Thursday, 13 January 2022 07:57 AM

There are few side affects like mild intermittent fever, arm pain etc. why I say is I who aged 57 took the booster and now in the dilemma

0 0

Iwazaru Thursday, 13 January 2022 08:37 AM

It seems a majority of the Sri Lanka population has lost faith in the vaccine. This is due to a low efficiency vaccine used as the main vaccine in Sri Lanka.

0 0

Pramod Thursday, 13 January 2022 08:53 AM

Those who are spreading rumours about Covid vaccination drive should be punished. There are school teachers among the rumour mongers.

0 0

Patient Thursday, 13 January 2022 09:20 AM

It is not myths that prevent people from taking the " booster" vaccine , but the undesireable effects experienced by those who have taken the booster. Such discomforts were not complained of in the 1st and 2nd Vaccines.

0 0

truth Thursday, 13 January 2022 09:22 AM

vaccine is a crap ,it only makes big pharma and people like bill gates more richer nothing else , even the pizer and modarana says 2 dos no enough and need 3rd and 4th booster , nonsense its time for people to wake up and get rid of it . health authority and its people get a good sum from these companies to promote and inject , they like the sales rep

0 0

Anne Karunaratne Thursday, 13 January 2022 09:52 AM

If 10 health authorities speak, they say10 different things! People do not know what or whom to believe anymore! Just ONE doctor please speak and educate the people on the vaccine.

0 0

Wimalaratana Thursday, 13 January 2022 10:08 AM

Evidence based hesitancy of people are visible in this regard. These include from some mild to serious side effects experienced by the recipients. There are also speculative or actual hesitancy factors based on the above situation. One of them is expired vaccinations are administered and the other is vaccinations are not stored under the recommended temperature.

0 0

Roshanaly Thursday, 13 January 2022 10:38 AM

They wanted to finish the lot quickly and get the commission for the next lot.

0 0

Depressed Thursday, 13 January 2022 11:09 AM

Health authorities are concerned about the hesitancy shown by the people to take the vaccine but when people are struggling for their living how can one expect them to take the vaccine.

0 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.