By Buddhika SamaraweeraThe Ministry of Health has planned to commence the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines as the second dose for those who were administered the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine as the first dose, as soon as the necessary vaccine doses are brought to Sri Lanka. State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana announced on 28 June that approval was granted for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines as the second dose for individuals who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as their first dose. “Given the current situation, there is no way to start it very soon as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have not yet arrived in the country,” he said. He added that the circular would state as to how to proceed with the replacement of the second dose of the AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, with all related matters being considered. As soon as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are available in the country, the programme will be implemented,” he mentioned.

Source: The Nation June 29, 2021 18:00 UTC