‘Restore priority plan and vaccinate the elderly & those with co-morbidities’

The current vaccination strategy in Sri Lanka is not effective in preventing mortality (death) and severe complications due to COVID 19, warned the former Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe.

He reiterated that it will not be possible to reduce disease transmission by immunizing selected people in the age-group above 30 years in areas selected, based on the current absolute number of cases. Sri Lanka is unlikely to have adequate supplies of vaccines to provide the required number of doses to a reasonable proportion of the population until December 2021.

The Sunday Times in an independent review of COVID-19 deaths found that the majority who were falling victim comprised the elderly. (See graphic)

Referring to “a high probability” that those who get the Sputnik V jabs may face a delay in getting their second shots, Dr. Abeysinghe also cautioned that unless the immunity level of vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with co-morbidities is improved, they will continue to get exposed to the infection, end up in ICUs and die.

“Hence, the best strategy that all other countries have followed with a limited supply of vaccines is to vaccinate the elderly population and those with co-morbid conditions early,” he added, urging the government to follow the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP).

Dr. Abeysinghe further urged that as far as possible the vaccination campaign should be carried out in nearby hospitals including Ayurveda hospitals and other health institutions.

“Let the Medical Officers of Health of the 352 MOH areas conduct the vaccination campaign and request all other stakeholders only to support the plans of the MOHs and not interfere with their work,” he added.