Conduct the immunization program in a rational manner: AMS

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Association of Medical Specialists have urged the Government to conduct the immunization program in a scientific and a rational manner. In a press release, the AMS underlines that the rational use of vaccines can lead to minimizing COVID-19 deaths, and the immunization of the vulnerable is important to reduce COVID-19 deaths, such as those above 60. AMS says immunization of unvaccinated vulnerable must be a priority, and then a booster dose should be given to the fully vaccinated group who are at risk of severe disease. Citing data from Bahrain and from Prof. Neelika Malavige’s group, AMS says "while people below 60 years mount a good immune response to Sinopharm vaccine, it is evident that a minority of people of more than 60 years do not produce an antibody response and are at a higher risk of hospitalization and death, compared to those given Pfizer/Moderna/ Astra Zeneca (AZ) vaccines." The statement says "We believe that administration of COVID vaccines should be done with the advice of a competent body of experts, such as the ACCD of the Ministry of Health,'' adding that deviation from the advice of the ACCD has already cost many lives by offering COVID vaccines to 30 to 60 age group before completing the vaccination of above 60 year age group.