SL closely monitors mixing and matching approved vaccine

Sri Lanka closely monitors mixing and matching Astrazeneca vaccine with Pfizer or Moderna in countries such as Canada, a Minister said. Sri Lanka currently faces the shortage of 600,000 Astrazeneca vaccines to be used as the second dose.

State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana told Daily Mirror mixing and matching approved vaccines had taken place in some parts of the world such as Canada , France and Germany.

He said Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has announced its updated guidance to allow mixing and matching approved Covid-19 vaccines in most scenarios.

According to a news report published in Khaleej Times, under the updated guidance, people who received a first dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine may receive Pfizer-biontech or Moderna for their second dose, unless contraindicated. Four vaccines, developed by Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been authorized for use in Canada to date.

“The new guidance also advises that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be mixed for first and second doses.

But it is not recommending Astrazeneca after a first shot of Pfizer or Moderna because of safety concerns and limited data on the use of this combination,” the newspaper reported.(KELUM BANDARA)