More than million Lankans have not taken even first jab

The Health Ministry disclosed yesterday that over one million Sri Lankans had not received even the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

The Ministry said that more than 6.2 million eligible citizens had not taken the booster shot.

According to the Ministry 16.000,981 people have taken the first anti-COVID jab, and 14,027,528 have been double jabbed.

Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath yesterday urged the public to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity, given the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

Dr. Herath said that the number of cases would increase after the festive season and it was a trend observed across the world.

“Taking the vaccine is the best way to tackle this and protect yourself. If you have taken the first dose, get the second and if you are double jabbed, get the booster. Don’t be fooled by misinformation,” he said.

Dr. Herath said that when a virus raged rapidly among a population, there was a possibility of mutations taking place. New variants of COVID-19 had always emerged in countries that had allowed the virus to run loose, he said. (RK)