Health Ministry advises parents

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Health Ministry yesterday requested the parents not to direct their healthy children above 12 years of age for vaccination as of now.  Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told a news briefing that although the vaccination drive for children aged 12 to 19 years who have co-morbidities and disabilities  was under way, there  was no such decision to vaccinate healthy children as yet.  

“The decision to vaccinate children aged 12 to 19 years who have co-morbidities and disabilities was taken considering the greater benefit of the vaccines than the minor effect that may cause to such children due to vaccination,” he underlined.

“However, we have to be extra cautious when deciding to give vaccines for healthy children and that’s why the experts are yet to put forward their recommendations on this,”  

Therefore, Dr Herath requested the parents of healthy children not to rush to vaccination centres to get their children vaccinated as of now.  

“We are monitoring the situation and the experts will come out with relevant recommendations on vaccinating the healthy children in due course,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Herath said relaxing restrictions could make COVID-19 situation worse if people fail to follow health guidelines and rules.

• We are monitoring the situation and the experts will come out with  relevant recommendations on vaccinating the healthy children in due  course