Some in 20-29 age group hampering vaccination drive by refusing to take jab

By Rathindra Kuruwita

 By the end of October, 73% of the population could be fully vaccinated if those between 20 and 29 got themselves vaccianted, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said yesterday.

GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal Fernando told The Island that as of mid-September, 50% of the Sri Lankan population had been double jabbed against COVID-19. That meant 50% of the population would be fully immunised against COVID by the beginning of October.

“Sri Lanka received four million doses of Sinopharm vaccines on 18 September. We have now imported vaccines to fully inoculate 73% of the total population. That means all those above 18 years, can be vaccinated. So, by the end of October, 73% of the total population of Sri Lanka could be fully immunised if those over 20 show enthusiasm,” he said.

Dr. Fernando added that on 17 September the President ordered that schoolchildren be inoculated with the Pfizer vaccine. Four million doses of the Pfizer vaccine are to arrive soon and schools could be made safe with them.

“Soon Sri Lanka will be able to control the Delta strain. This will enable the gradual reopening of the country from the beginning of October. Life under the new normal conditions can prevail from the beginning of November. This will help mitigate the impact of the COVID epidemic on the country’s economy,” Dr. Fernando said.