Whither 2nd dose of ‘Astra Zeneca’ vaccine?

Saturday, 29 May 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Having received the first dose of the ‘Astra Zeneca’ vaccine in mid-March as seniors, my wife and I are anxiously awaiting the second dose.

The conflicting news in the media during the last few days as uttered by some politicians and medical professionals as itemised below has escalated our anxiety.

1) A senior medical professional has stated in a TV discussion that in the event ‘Astra Zeneca’ vaccine is not available in six months, arrangements will be made to give two jabs of another suitable vaccine.

2) A senior Cabinet Minister has announced that the Govt. is prepared to spend any amount to purchase 600,000 doses of ‘Astra Zeneca’ vaccine.

3) More than one politician has gone on record that money is not a problem for meeting the cost of vaccines and other related items connected with the pandemic.

4) A related State Minister who is a medical professional has pleaded for assistance in cash or kind from the rich and philanthropists.

5) A senior medical professional has questioned why this squabble for ‘Astra Zeneca’ in Sri Lanka when many countries have stopped using it.

My question now focuses on item No. 5. Was our network of ambassadors used to facilitate the purchase of the vaccine from such countries?

I may be wrong, but I haven’t seen or heard about any of our ambassadors reaching out to secure this ‘discarded vaccine’ to help the taxpayers who shoulder the burden of meeting the expenses of their luxurious and cosy stay abroad!

A concerned senior citizen

Moratuwa