Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID-19 Prevention State Minister Dr.Sudarshani Fernandopulle urged public to get vaccinated for COVID-19 without any undue fear. The State Minister said this while addressing the media regarding false information shared through social media on the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
She said adverse effects have not been reported after vaccination and all the reported cases are general discomforts which are common to any other vaccine.She said COVID prevention can be achieved only when the prescribed individuals are vaccinated.
She reiterated not to be deceived by misinformation shared through social media regarding the vaccination drive. She said Health officials will conduct the vaccination in Colombo District followed by the Gampaha District second. She said that the health sector has given priority to these districts considering their high risk.
The State Minister stated, since the politicians interact with the people on a regular basis, priority of inoculation was given to Members of Parliament to prevent them from spreading the virus to society.
The total number of COVID positive cases in the country reached 77,906 yesterday.
As per Epidemiology Unit statistics, the total number of coronavirus recoveries reported in the country increased to 71,823 and around 5,661 patients are still under medical care. Meanwhile the country confirmed 13 deaths on Wednesday (17) due to COVID-19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 422.
Health authorities this week commenced the administration of COVID-19 vaccines on the public identified as vulnerable groups in the Western Province.
