Sputnik-V will be used as main vaccine in SL

Second dose after three weeks

• No plans to administer Sputnik-V as the second dose for those who were vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccine

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The Russian-made Sputnik-V vaccine will be used as the main vaccine against COVID-19 in Sri Lanka within this year, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said yesterday.

He told reporters that they had the potential to provide the Sputnik vaccine for 6,500,000 citizens. Sri Lanka yesterday started administering the first dose of Sputnik-V vaccine.

The State Minister said the second dose of the Sputnik-V vaccine would be given three weeks after the first dose.
A consignment of 15,000 Sputnik-V vaccine vials was brought to the country on May 4.

Those between 30 and 60 years from Gothatuwa, in the  Colombo district received the Sputnik-V vaccine. Meanwhile, State Minister Jayasumana said they had no intention or plans to administer Sputnik-V as the second dose for those who were earlier vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccine. 

He also said the Government had no issue with the funds to purchase more vaccines from Russia and added they have already allocated the required funds.

• Those between 30 and 60 years from Gothatuwa, in the  Colombo district received the Sputnik-V vaccine

A group of people in Gothatuwa receiving the Sputnik-V vaccine yesterday

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana