• 15,000 to be used as second dose for people in Gothatuwa, Colombo 
• The rest to be used as first dose for people in Kandy

By Kelum Bandara

Russia will dispatch 65, 000 doses of its Sputnik V vaccine next Friday, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said yesterday.   

Unlike other vaccines, Sputnik V has two different formulas to be used as the first and second dose.   
Prof. Jayasumana said 15,000 doses of the expected stock would be for second dose of people who received their first jab in the Gothatuwa area of Colombo last month.   

Meanwhile, studies have revealed that the first dose of Sputnik V provides sufficient protection.   
Asked whether Sri Lanka will administer the vaccine in single shots as a result, the Minister said no such decision had been taken.   

Besides, he said Sri Lanka would receive its quota of Covid-19 vaccines from the United States through COVAX this month. 

*** Sri Lanka would receive its quota of Covid-19 vaccines from the United States through COVAX this month
*** Studies have revealed that the first dose of Sputnik V provides sufficient protection