• None of the students or teachers had turned up to receive the vaccine 
• even the Principal of the school had failed to turn up to get the vaccine

By Bimal Shyaman Jayasinghe - Piliyandala   

The students their parents and teachers of the Al Gazzaly School in Atulugama have refused to get the COVID vaccine when it was offered to them by the health officials of the Bandaragama MOH office.   

The vaccination roll-out was held yesterday at the school premises to administer the Pfizer vaccine as the first dose for students above 12 years of age and as the booster dose for teachers and parents.   

However, according to Kalutara Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Udaya Ratnayake, the Bandaragama MOH office has informed him in writing that none of them turned up to receive the vaccine despite the prior notice. Dr. Udaya Ratnayake has also been informed that even the Principal of the school has failed to turn up to get the vaccine.   

When inquired from the Principal, he said he had not received the vaccine as he was down with fever and added that the students were not directed for vaccination due to examination. “We have requested to give another fresh date for vaccination,” he added.   

However, dismissing claims made by the Principal, Bandaragama MOH office said the relevant Principal did not ask for another date.