40,000 elderly forgo COVID vaccine in Colombo

9 August 2021 03:07 pm - 26 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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At least 40,000 persons above 60 years of age have not received their COVID-19 vaccine in the Colombo city owing to several misconceptions, Chairman of State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said.

In a special discussion held at the Government Information Department, he said they had been several misconceptions like vaccine is not suitable for people with different diseases and also some vaccines are ideal for separate purposes like going abroad.

“All these misconceptions are baseless. The WHO has categorically stated that all current vaccines equally provide shield to protect one from being hospitalized with complications and succumbing to the virus,” he stressed.

“Some people are just slow adopters and are taking a wait-and-see approach. However, hesitancy to get the COVID-19 vaccine needs to be addressed if we are to turn the tide on this pandemic whether based in fear, mistrust or false assumptions,” he pointed out.

Therefore, Dr Gunasena said it is paramount to get any kind of vaccine without further delay and reluctance.

He also urged people to register with 1906 hotline by giving your name, telephone number and the address so that they will be directed for vaccination.

“However, it is noteworthy that no one would get the full and ideal protection despite receiving a single of a vaccine. It is essential to take both the doses plus immunity starts to build only after two weeks of full vaccination,” Dr Gunasena underlined.

So far, 96 percent of target population has received a single dose while only 25 percent has been offered with both doses.

He said they were hoping to administer the second dose for all first dose recipients before the end of this month.

“It should also be mentioned that the recipients of a COVID-19 irrespective of any kind of vaccine will get full protection only by the mid-September,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 26

mp Monday, 09 August 2021 03:27 PM

The main reason is old people cannot stay in queues for long with their sicknesses. These vaccination programs do not take place for over 60s, but from 30 above. So young people can stay in queues and old people can't. This wrong method is still happening. These organizers cannot feel the plight of old people. But government says there are schemes for visiting sick and disabled people. It is only a propaganda activity. This is not a country to live.

Chris Monday, 09 August 2021 04:58 PM

Now there are special arrangements at the vaccination centres and over 60 can get in a very short time less than 40 minutes. Disabilities like "cant stand in queue due to artheritis" gets you into an even shorter queue

Waraka Monday, 09 August 2021 03:47 PM

Yes, who is responsible for this. It is the "Pani Brigade and Pot" brigade. This created a disbelief in the vaccine.

Ahmed Monday, 09 August 2021 04:13 PM

I called several times to 1906 but no one responds from the other end. Only the recorded tape is functioning. How can we trust these government info.

Waco Monday, 09 August 2021 04:32 PM

It is a very serious complaint. A competent person must answer the telephone. Arrange a face to face face discussion and explain and educate the people who are reluctant to get the Jab. Writing to media only is not good enough.

kukula Monday, 09 August 2021 05:00 PM

Dear DR. please don't be the mouth piece of the government by making statements,.Please understand the health situation of the over 60. My sisters who are living abroad over 60 had no inconvenience in taking there vaccination. A SMS and location was given and done.

King Monday, 09 August 2021 05:06 PM

They delayed the second dose for over 60 s,and now they are blaming the people.

suresh Monday, 09 August 2021 05:19 PM

over 60's cannot stand in queue for long time. Follow the practices adopted in developed countries. Give on line appointment and vaccinate on a precise date, time and centre without panic of uncertainties of getting the vaccine.

suresh Monday, 09 August 2021 05:19 PM

over 60's cannot stand in queue for long time. Follow the practices adopted in developed countries. Give on line appointment and vaccinate on a precise date, time and centre without panic of uncertainties of getting the vaccine.

Sam Silva Monday, 09 August 2021 05:20 PM

It is the government who was slow adaptors and wait see approach. They got people to drink pani, and delayed the vaccination to the max. Now they got the cheapest vaccination from China. Which vaccination did you get doctor ??

Anura Jayantha Monday, 09 August 2021 05:23 PM

Chris please provide links / info about where this is done..there is so much talk but nothing is true!

Anura Jayantha Monday, 09 August 2021 05:26 PM

I paid a visit to diyatha today Monday. Seeing the huge crowd I came home. I can avoid the unknown vaccine to avoid catching Corona!

Tungsan Yu Monday, 09 August 2021 05:28 PM

You can never win an argument with a negative person. They only hear what suits them and listen only to respond

mp Monday, 09 August 2021 06:00 PM

Chris, if there are such special arrangements, they must inform the public. However much you say so, we have experienced the problem very well. Those who vaccinate have their preferences and priorities. Since I have experienced I mentioned about it. This is not fabricated story. They should not mix 30s and 60s.

mp Monday, 09 August 2021 06:00 PM

Chris, if there are such special arrangements, they must inform the public. However much you say so, we have experienced the problem very well. Those who vaccinate have their preferences and priorities. Since I have experienced I mentioned about it. This is not fabricated story. They should not mix 30s and 60s.

Ranaweera Monday, 09 August 2021 07:19 PM

They want to blame government.

Ranjith Monday, 09 August 2021 07:20 PM

Can we know how many out of the 40000 infected from corona virus

Colin Monday, 09 August 2021 07:28 PM

There are many countries that don't recognise Sinopharm This is not a misconception it is a reality

Lanka Monday, 09 August 2021 08:14 PM

Bottom line is.... There are no "organization skills" in any where from top to bottom. Whether it's the Pandemic or anything else for that matter. We got to be "organized" properly in order to achieve anything. Too many top top scholars does nothing but big talk. Innocent people pay in the end.

Lawry Monday, 09 August 2021 08:22 PM

I am over 60. The assurances I got were like "parking at your risk". Even after obtaining an online slot had to mingle with an unruly crowd for 2 hours.

Lawry Monday, 09 August 2021 08:25 PM

Different professors turn up from the woodwork to accuse those people with genuine concerns.

ram Monday, 09 August 2021 08:34 PM

I took my 82 years old father to viharamahadevi park by 10 pm to avoid waiting long time. but it was closed. no public announcement were given. this is one example how govt. handle vaccination programme.

Deva Monday, 09 August 2021 09:31 PM

Please give appointments by SMS for first dose also. A simple system. Give a mobile number for each vaccination centre. Ask the over the 60 to SMS. Reply with time and date

Anura Jayantha Monday, 09 August 2021 10:33 PM

Lawry, how did you get the slot online? please share the link.

Roshan Monday, 09 August 2021 11:26 PM

Some have preferences for vaccines. Many whom I know take the Chinese vaccine with dislike, ( Chinese Badu Hoda nahe) not whole heartedly. It is very important that you trust the medication and the medical provider to have the best results.

Saman Tuesday, 10 August 2021 12:22 AM

What a shame to say that above 60s can't stand for long time in the queues. This the weak mentality we have in our society. Other developed countries elderly people don't want to depend on any body but here the opposite.

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40,000 elderly forgo COVID vaccine in Colombo

Comments - 26

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