Third dose for 20 plus around the corner

The Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) has instructed the authorities to procure relevant stocks of Pfizer vaccines to be used as third dose for those above 20 years of age, sources said.

According to sources, a stock of 14 million of Pfizer-BioNTech is to be ordered for this purpose.

However, it has been recommended giving the third dose only for those who have been fully jabbed with the Sinopharm vaccine.

The vaccination drive of booster dose would commence over several months probably early next year.

Here, the priority will be given to individuals above 60 and people with co-morbidities as decided earlier. 

Eventually, the booster dose will be given to those above 20 as well if and when their immunity needs to be boosted after the desired period.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said the fundamental approval has been granted to administer a third dose for those who are 20 years of age and above. (Sheain Fernandopulle)