COLOMBO (News 1st): The special vaccination drive to administer the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in China to residents of the Western Province, will begin today (May 11) with the support of the Tri-Forces.

Plans are in place to administer the first jab of the Sinopharm vaccine to 30,000 people daily, Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle, the State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control told News 1st on Tuesday (May 11).

Those aged between 30 to 60 years can receive the vaccine, she noted.

“The highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country are reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts; thereby, the Sinopharm vaccine will be administered at vaccination centres in the Western province. Moreover, the vaccine will also be administered through the main hospitals in the Western province such as the Colombo General Hospital,” Dr. Fernandopulle elaborated.

According to the State Minister, the Grama Niladhari divisions where the highest rate of COVID-19 cases are reported will be prioritized when inoculating the community with the Sinopharm vaccine.

“More information on the matter can be obtained by contacting the Public Health Inspector (PHI) or the Medical Officer of Health of the respective area,” State Minister Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle noted.

She further requested the general public to restrict movement as much as possible, stay indoors, follow the COVID-19 health guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.

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