28 September 2021 03:57 pm
The Health Ministry today requested the parents not to direct their healthy children above 12 years of age for vaccination because there was no such a decision as of yet.
Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told a news briefing said though the vaccination drive for children aged 12 to 19 years who have comorbidities and disabilities is underway, there is no such decision to vaccinate healthy children as yet.
"The decision was taken considering the greater benifit of the vaccines than the minor effect that may cause to the children aged 12-19 who have comorbidities and disabilities," he underlined.
"However, we have to be extra cautious when deciding to give vaccines for healthier children, and that was the reason the experts are yet to put forward their recommendations on this.
Therefore, Dr Herath requested the parents of healthy children not to rush to vaccination centres to get their children vaccinated as of now.
“We are monitoring the situation and the experts will come out with relevant recommendations on vaccinating the healthy children in due course,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Herath said relaxing restrictions could make COVID-19 situation worse if people fail to follow health guidelines and rules. (Sheain Fernandopulle)