Over 95,000 frontline workers in the country have received the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine since 29 January, with 36,396 persons getting vaccinated yesterday.

A statement issued by the Epidemiology Unit shows that 5,286 vaccines were administered on 29 January, 32,539 vaccines were administered on 30 January and 21,329 vaccines were administered on 31 January.

As such, a total of 95,550 persons have received the vaccine to date, with the first batch of the vaccine the country received as a donation from the Government of India targeted a total of 250,000 frontline workers from health, military and police units.

“The vaccination program commenced on 28 January with the reception of the batch. The administration process that began on 29 January has now expanded to several centres across the island,” Deputy Director of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said.

He went on to say that vaccination is taking place in all main hospitals in the island and that no serious side effects have been reported so far.

“However, we know that with the administration of any vaccine, a slight fever, body aches and such slight side effects may be experienced. The same applies to this vaccine as well. However, I do not believe any of these are reason enough to not get vaccinated,” Dr. Herath added.

He added that healthcare personnel evaluate all recipients prior to administering the vaccine and do not administer it to anyone deemed unsuitable.

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