Concerns on COVISHIELD Vaccines at Batticaloa Hospital

COLOMBO (News 1st): An issue with regard to the stock of AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccines at the Batticaloa Hospital that was to be used to administer the second dose of the COVID-19 jab, was reported on Wednesday (May 05). "570 doses of the vaccine issued to the Batticaloa Hospital were not stored at the correct refrigeration temperatures. The vaccine vials were stored for about 14 to 15 hours in a box of ice, which showed 10 degrees celsius at the last time it was checked. Therefore, we are unsure on whether or not these doses are suitable for usage," Dr. V. Kunarajasekaram of the Batticaloa Health Services Office told News 1st. According to Dr. Kunarajasekaram, the vaccines were immediately handed over to the Epidemiology Unit to be inspected and re-issued. "Until a final decision is issued by the Epidemiology Unit, it cannot be determined whether or not the vaccines were wasted," Dr. Kunarajasekaram further noted.