• 1906 new hotline to get vaccine
• 96 per cent of target population given first dose
• All vaccines are equally effective
• Third dose can be given to whole population if needed

By Sheain Fernandopulle

At least 40,000 persons above 60 years of age have not taken their COVID-19 vaccine in the Colombo city owing to several misconceptions, Chairman of State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said yesterday.

In a special discussion held at the Government Information Department, he said there had been several misconceptions like vaccines are not suitable for people with different diseases and also some vaccines are ideal for separate purposes like going abroad. “All these misconceptions are baseless. The WHO has categorically stated that all current vaccines equally provide a shield to protect one from being hospitalised with complications and succumbing to the virus,” he said. “Some people are just slow adopters and are taking a wait-and-see approach. However, hesitancy to get the COVID-19 vaccine needs to be addressed if we are to turn the tide on this pandemic whether based on fear, mistrust or false assumptions,” he said. Therefore, Dr Gunasena said it is paramount to get any kind of vaccine without hesitancy. He also urged people to register with 1906 hotline by giving their name, telephone number and the address so that they will be directed for vaccination. “However, it is noteworthy that no one would get the full and ideal protection despite receiving any single vaccine.

It is essential to take both doses plus immunity starts to build only after two weeks of full vaccination,” Dr Gunasena underlined. So far, 96 per cent of the target population has received a single dose while only 25 per cent has been offered with both doses. He said they were hoping to administer the second dose for all first dose recipients before the end of this month. “It should also be mentioned that the recipients of COVID-19 irrespective of any kind of vaccine will get full protection only by mid-September,” he added. Meanwhile, Dr Gunasena said the Government is ready to set the ball rolling on giving a booster dose if needed after completion of vaccine rollout of both doses.