Health authorities warn on new COVID wave

• Calls on public to obtain second booster or fourth jab against COVID 

Health authorities yesterday warned that there is a possibility for another COVID-19 wave, urging the public to obtain all four vaccines.

“We have requested to get the fourth vaccine on many occasions after obtaining the first vaccine. At present, everyone over 20 years of age should get the fourth vaccine to avoid the risk of emerging new variants of COVID-19,” Health Services Director-General Dr. Asela Gunawardena told journalists yesterday. 

Noting that the new variant has been identified as highly transmittable, he called on the public to obtain the fourth jab against COVID-19 to protect themselves from the latest variant. It was pointed out that between 97% to 100% of people over 20-years of age had received primary vaccinations. 

The Director-General said when the second booster was approved, only 7.9 million individuals had obtained the first vaccine against COVID.

He also pointed out that vaccination can prevent serious illnesses and deaths for those who contract the virus.

Dr. Gunawardena also said that it was essential for those above the age of 60 years and those expecting to travel overseas to receive their second booster dose or the fourth vaccine against COVID. 

He said the vaccines can be obtained at all Government hospitals, Medical Officer of Health Departments, and other allocated vaccination centres. 

Dr. Gunawardena urged the public to reach out to the vaccination centres and pre-book appointments due to the current situation in the country.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said the risk of COVID is still prevalent across the world, noting that an increase in cases was witnessed during the past three weeks.

He said Sri Lanka currently records around 10 daily COVID-19 patients and one virus-related death weekly.

Although school children have been urged to obtain the second vaccine, Dr. Ginige said only a limited number of children have obtained the vaccine, adding that one million children between the age of 12 and 15 have not obtained the vaccine.

University of Sri Jayew-ardenepura Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine Prof. Neelika Malavige said the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 spread rapidly in January and February, adding that the seriousness of the variant was not felt as a majority of the public had obtained two vaccine doses. She insisted that a successful vaccination drive led to the drop in the spread of COVID.

Prof. Malavige also said new variants emerge in countries, whilst pointing out that the variants would not spread only if there is an increased level of immunity among the population.