No issue in 'Mix and Match' of COVID-19 vaccines: Min. Gammanpila

COLOMBO (News 1st): COVID-19 vaccine experts have pointed out that there are NO adverse effects in receiving the two doses of the COVID-19 jab from two different vaccine types, Minister Udaya Gammanpila revealed during the cabinet press briefing on Tuesday (May 11). "Experts who are knowledged on the subject have pointed out that there is NO problem in receiving the 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from one type and the 2nd dose from another," Sri Lanka's Joint Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Udaya Gammanpila said. However, he noted that doctors in the country will reach a final decision regarding the matter. "Therefore, there is ABSOLUTELY NO reason for those who have only received the 1st dose of the vaccine so far, to be fearful or doubtful about receiving the second dose of the vaccine," the Minister strongly assured. Commenting on the procurement of the required doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab for the inoculation of the second dose, Minister Gammanpila said, "As of now, based on information we received regarding the excess availability of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in countries like Indonesia and certain African countries, discussions are already underway with the relevant parties to obtain adequate doses of the vaccine." Furthermore, following discussions held between the President and the Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), measures are also in place to obtain the required doses of the vaccine through the WHO, either from a country that manufactures the vaccine or that has already purchased it, the Minister noted. "Therefore, it is highly likely that we could obtain the required doses in the coming month. The 1st dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine was already administered and there is only a limited time left till the 2nd dose to be administered. Therefore, we are confident that we could obtain the required doses within the next month," Minister Udaya Gammanpila stressed.