By Pamodi Waravita Three committees have been appointed by the State Ministry of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control to co-ordinate the inoculation programme of the Oxford-AstraZeneca anti-Covid-19 vaccine, The Morning learnt.Speaking to The Morning, a senior State Ministry official who wished to remain anonymous, said that a logistical committee, a prioritisation committee, and a costing committee have been appointed to ensure the efficient distribution of vaccines from February onwards. The official further said that the initial inoculation would happen in two batches to frontline health workers, frontline tri-forces, frontline airport staff, and senior citizens above the age of 60 years. “We also have a good open-book policy with the manufacturing companies of the vaccines with regard to potential risks that could arise. We are in open communication to understand the success rate of the inoculation programme in India,” he further added. Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath also spoke to The Morning regarding the potential risks that could arise from vaccination. Following reports from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health where 29 elderly sick patients had died after receiving the Pfizer Inc. vaccine, Dr. Herath said that they would depend on reports from both the Indian Government and the manufacturing company of the AstraZeneca vaccine to analyse the reactions of those who are vaccinated first in India. “With successful communication, we hope to take the necessary precautions and considerations before vaccinating the at-risk groups,” said Dr. Herath. State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control Sudarshani Fernandopulle had stated yesterday (17) that the Sri Lankan Government has decided to import both the Oxford-AstraZeneca anti-Covid-19 vaccine and another vaccine free of charge through the COVAX facility.
