The Health Minster yesterday (08) agreed with the proposal made by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to stop the use of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID vaccine for the age group 18 to 30 and to use it for the 12 to 18 age group.
The decision was made following a discussion GMOA held with the Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
A technical report was submitted to the Minister with the GMOA suggestions based on World Health Organisation (WHO), United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA USA) and the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NHS UK) as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations claiming that why the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine should be preserved for the 12-18 age category.
GMOA pointed out to the minister that the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine can be used for the age group of 18 to 30. Parallel to the 18 to 30 age group vaccination rollout, the limited number of Pfizer vaccine stocks can be used for the 12 to 18 age groups. By October, the country will receive the balance four million Pfizer vaccines and that the said age category could be fully vaccinated.
Therefore, the GMOA requested the Director General Health Services to appoint a special technical committee for above purpose and to study the scientific evidence and to get special approval to stop the use of the Pfizer vaccine for the age group of 18 to 30 and to use it for the 12 to 18 age group.