Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Chinese Vaccines: Rules Out Pfizer

5 January 2021 08:21 am - 12     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Sri Lanka's health experts who are currently studying the anti COVID-19 vaccinations produced by some countries, is likely to recommend the Oxford/astrazeneca vaccine manufactured in India and the vaccines manufactured in China and are likely to rule out the Pfizer manufactured in the UK, the Daily Mirror learns.

A government official, familiar with the developments locally said that health experts will hold a special discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today and update him on their latest findings, but the Daily Mirror learns that the vaccinations from India and China are likely to be recommended for the local public.

While countries are still in the experimental stages with the vaccines except for Pfizer which is now being rolled out on a mass scale, health experts have suggested they will only recommend a vaccination for the Sri Lankan public after it is thoroughly studied. With a 23 million population, Sri Lanka will also have to go for two or three options as acquiring vaccines from one specific country alone has been ruled out. (JAMILA HUSAIN)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 12

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • John Stewart Tuesday, 05 January 2021 08:43 AM

    Amazing. Vaccination programs are already underway in more than 30 countries worldwide and millions have been vaccinated but we are still just talking about it.

    supun Tuesday, 05 January 2021 09:49 AM

    its since we dont have money. Its bit realistic ...

    FF Tuesday, 05 January 2021 09:02 AM

    GOVT FAVORS CHINA AND INDIA FOR SOME PERSONAL REASONS AND NOT FOR ANY MEDICAL REASONS. AFTER ALL, WE CANNOT RULE OUT BOTH THESE COUNTRIES

    Lumbini Tuesday, 05 January 2021 09:21 AM

    Do we have any other options?

    Selvakumar Tuesday, 05 January 2021 09:40 AM

    Everybody's have to things about economic about vaccines, if given Free vaccines for sri Lanka ???

    BigEars Tuesday, 05 January 2021 09:44 AM

    It is time for the SJB and the JVP to educate the masses on the types of vaccine available and the what the best vaccines are. This government came into power on national security and that includes health.

    Don Munasinghe Tuesday, 05 January 2021 02:08 PM

    Sri Lanka is a mid-income country. We will always have ways to allocate funds when genuinely required like now but it is the policy that does not allow expediting the process. Government has to think this as an investment since when more citizens are vaccinated will give us a better chance to transition back to normal life ASAP.which will revive our economy. Relevant officials wasted precious time on 'Peniya' rather than negotiating to procure vaccines in advance like other countries did. Sad part is that the leaders in a country that imports even a 'Veda Nalawa' think a cure can be found from a Peniya when scientifically advanced counties like the USA, UK, Germany, Japan etc. are still struggling with millions of deaths. What we need is common sense and smart decision makers.

    june macapagal Tuesday, 05 January 2021 02:12 PM

    In the first place they do not have the money to buy the vaccines. so they will beg from India and China and take whatever they give. Unlike Singapore who purchased the vaccine by paying the suppliers and they have already started giving the vaccines to their citizens. Cant they learn from other countries which have already started giving the vaccine to the people.

    IGNATIUS RASIAH Tuesday, 05 January 2021 04:56 PM

    China is our first choice (good OR bad). We have to please them as we owe them money. We have to also please India (Our Neighbour). Pfizer's is the best (We cannot afford it) Maybe these are for the politicians

    Mohan Tuesday, 05 January 2021 05:13 PM

    There are practical reasons. The Pfizer vaccine has to be stored at minus 80 degrees centigrade and can only be moved around a few times. Pfizer is also packed in larger quantities and the packs cannot be broken down. Whereas the Astra Zeneca vaccine has no such restrictions and can be stored in a normal fridge. The answer is obvious.

    Mahendra Munidasa Tuesday, 05 January 2021 06:49 PM

    Pfizer is not a good option for Sri Lanka because of the -70 C storage requirement. Oxford/astrazeneca vaccine is the best option as of today. It does not require special handling and is the cheapest. Obviously, clinical trial data is available to do a thorough evaluation. The question to ask is, did China provide Sri Lanka with data to evaluate their vaccine or was that decision made under pressure.

    Lakshan peiris Thursday, 07 January 2021 07:44 PM

    Pfizer vaccine or AstraZeneca?


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H