The Ministry of Health has taken measures to conduct a study on the side-effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
A team at the Epidemiology Unit is conducting a study in this regard, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, the State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and COVID Disease Control told media on Tuesday (Mar. 16).
Whilst referring to the decision by several countries to temporarily halt the use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine, which is also used in Sri Lanka, the State Minister said NO such decision has been made to suspend the use of the COVISHIELD vaccine in the country, as of present.
Germany, France, Italy, and Spain have joined smaller nations in halting vaccinations with Oxford-AstraZeneca jab as a precaution while checks are made, foreign media reported.
“Suspicions pertaining to the death of certain individuals who received the AstraZeneca Vaccine due to blood clots in certain other countries are yet to be affirmed,” Dr. Fernandopulle noted.
Thereby, she emphasized that in Sri Lanka, the side effects of all those who receive the COVID-19 jab are being recorded and studied.
Referring to the two deaths reported in Gampaha, about 02-03 days after being vaccinated against COVID-19, the State Minister pointed out that both deaths were caused due to heart conditions and therefore, a connection between the vaccine and the cause of death cannot be confirmed.
“By choosing not to receive the jab, one could die of contracting COVID-19,” State Minister Dr. Fernandopulle further pointed out.
