The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (4 January) approved the proposal made by the Health Ministry on the submission of Part B of the COVAX application, which is due before 8 January, and the formation of an agreement between the country and the vaccine manufacturer for the allocation of vaccine doses for Sri Lanka.

COVAX, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Gavi, works towards global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, and Sri Lanka has been guaranteed sufficient doses for 20% of the population through the initiative.

According to a statement published by the Department of Government Information, Sri Lanka submitted the first part of the application by 7 December and the application included information regarding the target group, storage capacity, and other technical information.

Health officials yesterday discussed various aspects to the use of the COVID-19 vaccine in Sri Lanka at a press briefing held at the Health Ministry. At the discussion, Dr. Deepa Gamage, an epidemiologist attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit, said there was no clear information on the vaccine’s effects in terms of long-term immunity and prevention of transmission, making it vital to adhere to safety guidelines even after an individual is vaccinated.

“The Health Ministry is prepared to provide the vaccine to the public as soon as it is received, and the vaccine will contribute to measures to control the spread of the virus. However, the vaccine alone is not a solution. Even after being vaccinated, persons must adhere to health guidelines,” she said.

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