Health authorities not satisfied with booster jab numbers

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Health authorities are not satisfied with the number of people that had obtained the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, says State Minister State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. Channa Jayasumana.

The Ministry of Health says 85% of those aged above 16-years in the country have been fully vaccinated as of now.

State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said all the required stocks of vaccines to inoculate the eligible population were brought to the country.

Whilst pointing out that the COVID-19 Vaccination Drive in the country was launched on the 29th of January 2020, State Minister Jayasumana said the vaccination drive is now at its final phase.

According to the State Minister, 48 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been brought down to the country since the beginning of the vaccination drive.

Meanwhile, when inquired as to when the possession of the COVID-19 vaccine card will be made mandatory to visit public places, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said once the rate of people that had received the booster dose reaches a satisfactory level, the vaccine card will be made mandatory.

He noted that the 1st dose of the COVID-19 jab was administered to 99% of the population aged above 16-years, of which, 85% has received the 2nd dose as well.

Accordingly, of the country's eligible population to receive the COVID-19 jab, 13.8 million people are fully vaccinated, while 4.5 million people have received the booster dose.