Shortage of 600,000 AstraZeneca vaccines for second jab

• Second dose of COVID vaccination begins 

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

There is a shortage of nearly 600,000 AstraZeneca vaccine vials in the country, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.  

He said that over 950,000 persons have so far been administered with the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, with only 350,000 doses available for the second jab, the Minister said the authorities are attempting to obtain the required volume. 

He expressed these views after the roll-out of the second dose for health workers commenced at the Divisional Hospital in Maligawatte yesterday.  

“India has informed the Government of Sri Lanka that it would provide the rest of the jabs soon,” the State Minister stressed.  Meanwhile, he said the vaccines would be given according to the same priority list, which was followed in administering the first dose.  

“It will take another two weeks to complete vaccinating health workers with the second dose,” he said.   The roll-out of the first dose started on January 29 to frontline workers including medical professionals and security personnel.