1 August 2021 06:56 pm
As the vaccination rollout of AstraZeneca second doses commenced today, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi urged people not to create unnecessary congestion at vaccination centers.
She said people had ample time to get themselves vaccinated and therefore, asked people to avoid long queues at vaccination centers.
“There is a large crowd in the Western Province hoping to get the second dose of AstraZeneca. It is a great relief that we received the required amount of doses to be given to the recipients of the first dose,” she said.
“This has become a long-awaited wish. However, if people acted in an irresponsible manner ignoring health guidelines at vaccination centers, the situation would go from bad to worse,” the Health Minister pointed out.
She said they had set up a number of centers covering every MOH office in the Western Province and therefore, asked people to get their vaccine with patience.
“The Ministry of Health has planned to implement this vaccination program for 7 days in more than 20 centers in the Western Province in collaboration with the health staff and the Army. I also urge the public to take steps to protect themselves from this disease by following proper health practices,” she added.
Meanwhile, Minister Wanniarachchi said the remaining doses are scheduled to be given to the Kegalle district vaccination program and another 727,380 doses of AstraZeneca would be received next week. (Sheain Fernandopulle)