Sri Lanka begins vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka on Wednesday (9) began administering the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine to pregnant women over the age of 30, diagnosed with non-communicable diseases.
Health officials said the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine was administered to pregnant women who met the age and ailment criteria, at the Piliyandala Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office and the state-run Castle Street maternity hospital, in the Western Province, on Tuesday morning.
Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena told reporters that vaccinated women will still need to follow COVID-19 health guidelines, and advised, “Wear a mask, wash your hands and limit going out, because we give the vaccine to protect you and the baby.”
Health Services Deputy Director Dr. Hemanth Herath said vaccination staff have been informed which vaccination centres will roll out vaccines for pregnant women and that the rollout will be coordinated by the Family Health Bureau.
“Don’t go to every vaccination centre. Pregnant women will be informed of the specific locations through the Family Health Bureau officer in the area,” Dr. Herath said.
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