Second dose of COVID vaccine to be given from May 1

Steps would be taken to provide the second dose of the Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine from May 1, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle told in Parliament today.

“The second dose was due within four weeks when the first dose was given on January 29. However, according to scientific research, the second dose could be delayed up to 12 weeks. As such, the second dose is due on April 29. Steps will be taken to provide the second dose after May1,” she said.

She said this in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who asked to reveal the exact date of the second dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine.

Responding to a question raised by Mr. Premadasa whether the second dose would be given with China's Sinopharm Vaccine, the State Minister said no decision had been taken so far to administer another vaccine to those who were given the Astrazeneca vaccine.

“There is no change in the plans to administer the second dose with the same vaccine given as the first dose. I do not know whether it will be changed in the future’” she said.

Ms. Fernandopulle said the approval of the Sinopharm vaccine was delayed as the required information was yet to be received and added that the WHO would approve it within three to four weeks after receiving the required information.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)