Who can get what vaccine?

With many people confused about who can get what vaccine, the Sunday Times asked the Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Neelika Malavige to shed some light on this issue.

Sri Lanka has so far given emergency-use listing (EUL) to the AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines. Prof. Malavige says:

AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines can be administered to anyone over 18 years of age, according to the WHO.

The manufacturers of Sputnik V have advised people only below 60 years of age and over 18 years of age to get the vaccine (those in the 18-60 age group), but it is not absolutely contraindicated (a reason not to take it) for older people.

People with allergies [food allergies, respiratory allergies (including asthma) or hives] can take these four (AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer and Sinopharm) vaccines. However, if anyone is allergic to the components of any of these vaccines, that particular vaccine should not be taken by that person. The AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Sinopharm vaccines have been shown to be safe for expectant mothers and breastfeeding (lactating) mothers. There is no need to stop breastfeeding the baby, even for a few hours, after getting the vaccines. Any breastfeeding mother can feed her baby, soon after getting the jab. It is well-known that those at high-risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and dying of the disease are the elderly (over-60s) and those with co-morbidities (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, etc.) younger than 60 years. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate (with AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Sinopharm) those with co-morbidities to prevent severe disease and death, except in the case of very serious diabetic complications and those with severe

chronic disease conditions. The WHO has not placed any restrictions on the vaccination of people with co-morbidities, except with regard to Sputnik V. The WHO has advised caution when administering Sputnik V to people with diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). Referring to the gap between the two doses, Prof. Malavige says that it is 12 weeks for AstraZeneca (but India has recommended 12-16 weeks); 4 weeks for Sputnik V; 4 weeks for Sinopharm; and 3 weeks for Pfizer.

“New data from the UK have shown that a 12-week gap of Pfizer doses induced higher antibody levels,” she adds.