• The decision was taken as the first step to vaccinate healthy children in the vaccination programme
• Children suffering from allergies and other diseases are to be vaccinated in hospitals under the supervision of a specialist

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

The Vaccine Technical Committee yesterday decided to start administering the first dose of Pfizer vaccine for children between the ages of 18 and 19 from Monday, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said. 

They said the decision was taken as the first step to vaccinate healthy children in the vaccination programme. The vaccination roll-out will be carried out at the Offices of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and in the government hospitals.  

The Vaccination Technical Committee meeting was headed by the Heath Services Director General.  

A discussion was held between the President and the head of GMOA regarding vaccinating healthy children in the above age group, as the second phase of vaccination of children. A proposal was made to the President in this regard by the GMOA at the discussion.

  
During the discussion, the GMOA had proposed to administer the Pfizer vaccine to healthy children between the ages of 15-19 years using the same mechanism used by the Medical Officers’ Offices throughout the country.  
The GMOA also pointed out that it was advisable for children suffering from allergies and other diseases to be vaccinated in hospitals under the supervision of a specialist.

• During the discussion, the GMOA had proposed to administer the Pfizer  vaccine to healthy children between the ages of 15-19 years using the  same mechanism used by the Medical Officers’ Offices throughout the  country