’Too premature’ to discuss a fourth COVID vaccine dose: Health authorities

The health authorities in Sri Lanka have articulated that it is too premature to have discussion on a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose in a situation where the third dose roll out is yet to be completed.

Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena told a news briefing yesterday that they had not arrived at any form of discussions pertaining to a fourth dose.

"However, we have to ponder administering another Pfizer vaccine dose for those are aspiring to go abroad and those who have received Sinopharm as the first two doses and the Pfizer as the booster dose,” he underscored.

“This depends on the requirement of respective foreign countries that they are hoping to fly to,” Dr. Gunawardena added.

The health experts worldwide have expressed their viewpoints on necessity of administering a fourth vaccine dose.

However, Sweden and Israel have already recommended fourth vaccine shots for adults and people 80 and older while South Korea is to begin giving out fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines. (Sheain Fernandopulle)