New Covid-19 variant has arrived so take your fourth jab

The Health Ministry on Monday urged the people to take the fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine given the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant.

Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena said that over 95 percent of the people have been double jabbed.

However, a significantly lower percentage of the people have taken the third dose, he said.

Taking all four doses of the vaccine minimized the risk of contracting the virus.

In case of an infection, the severity of the disease will also be lower if all doses of the vaccine are taken, he said.

The vaccines can be obtained at all state hospitals, medical offices of health, and stipulated vaccination centres, Dr. Gunawardena said.