The second dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine will be given from May 1, Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Epidemiology and Disease Control Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle said in Parliament today (20).
Update:
Second AstraZeneca dose will be administered from May 1 - State Minister
Sandasen Marasinghe, Camelia Nathaniel and Amali Mallawaarachchi
The second dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine will administered from May 1, Primary Health Care, Epidemiology and Disease Control State Minister Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle told Parliament yesterday (20). The Minister said this in response to an oral question raised by MP Thushara Indunil on whether the second dose of the vaccine would be the Chinese Synopharm vaccine.
Minister Fernandopulle said that where the AstraZenaca vaccine had been administered in the first dose, it is recommended that the second dose too should be the same brand.
Hence, she noted that the government will take measures to ensure that both doses of the vaccines would be given from the same brand.
She said that the second dose of the vaccination drive was launched in January, it was recommended to administer the second dose in four weeks. However, according to subsequent data, it was suggested that administering the vaccine in 12 weeks was better.
Hence, she noted that while the second dose of the AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine was scheduled to be given from April 29, due to slight delays, the second round of the vaccination drive would commence from May1.
