"Review vaccination program and address COVISHIELD shortage"; SLMA

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Medical Association has called on the President to review the vaccination program in the country.

The SLMA said the vaccination strategy implemented at present is flawed and needs a composite review urgently.

"There is clear and compelling evidence to support prioritization of vaccination of older adults more than 60 years, followed by people with comorbidities in the age group of 30– 60 years," it said in a letter to the President.

Further, the SLMA has urged the Government of Sri Lanka to provide a solution to the 600,000 people awaiting the second dose of the Covishield vaccine as early as possible.

"We see that offering them the first dose of Sputnik V following a quick clinical trial of the efficacy of such a maneuver is a reasonable option to solve the issue. Monitoring antibody levels 2 weeks following vaccination with Sputnik V in about 100 people who have had the 1st dose of the Covishield vaccine may provide a reasonable answer to this question. The importance of documenting the adverse effects during such a clinical trial also needs to be emphasized," it added.