Infectious Diseases top man gives thumbs up to AstraZeneca vaccine

Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases yesterday told the media that there was no need to worry about taking the AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine as millions of people across the world had already been injected with it.

Dr. Wijewickrama gave the assurance after taking the first jab of the vaccine, representing the frontline health staff. Any drug could have side effects, but there was little chance of the particular vaccine adversely affecting recipients, he said.

“The second dose will be given four weeks after the first jab.”

A total of 5,286 individuals including healthcare officials and military personnel had been vaccinated as at 6 pm yesterday, Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told media.

“We are using an electronic system to monitor the number and condition of those who take the jab. Data of people who are getting the vaccine are entered into the system.”