The health sector has been instructed to administer the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 15-19 and to children over 12 years with disabilities.
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said the directive to administer the Pfizer vaccine to children between the ages of 15-19 was issued by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
He said the decision was made during a meeting of the National Covid Task Force that was chaired by the President today.
General Shavendra Silva did not reveal further information on the administration of the Pfizer vaccine to children between the ages of 15-19.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said instructions have also been given to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children over 12 years suffering from disabilities.
He said children over 12 years with disabilities will be administered the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to keep up with the ongoing vaccination drive in Sri Lanka.
The Health Minister further urged the public to obtain the available COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
The Government has already commenced the vaccination of youth between the ages of 20- 29 in the Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Hambantota, Matara, and Galle Districts.
The youth between the ages of 20- 29 are being administered the Pfizer and Sinopharm vaccines. (NewsWire)