COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that it currently possesses an excess of six million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and this stock is expected to expire in approximately 6 weeks.
Health Ministry's Director of Medical Technical Services and Chief Coordinator for COVID-19, Dr. Anwar Hamdani told News 1st that the General Public is urged to obtain the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine soon.
He said that only 15% of the local population had obtained the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In July 2022, Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry extended the expiry date of the Pfizer Covid 19 vaccines already imported by three months on the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Sri Lanka has seen a spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths again since early this month, after the relaxation of health restrictions. The health officials have now urged the public to wear masks again in indoor events as well as when traveling in public transport.
The fourth dose is still being administered in all national hospitals and Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices in all areas.