Pfizer vaccine: 100,000 more doses arrive in SL

August 9, 2021 at 10:21 AM

Another stock of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Sri Lanka today via Qatar Airways flight QR-668.

The consignment of 100,000 vaccine doses arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake at 02.15 am. 

In May, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) approved the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka received its first batch of vaccines consisting of 26,000 doses on 5th July and the second batch with another 26,000 doses on 12th July.

Thereafter, it received its third consignment consisting of 70,200 doses on 19th July and the fourth consignment of 90,000 doses on 26th July.

The vaccines which were initially administered as the second dose for those who had received the AstraZeneca vaccine as the first jab was later suspended by the Government.

The Pfizer vaccine was later provided to students travelling overseas for education, the fishing community in Mannar, and residents of Vavuniya.

The vaccine was also administered to Sri Lankan workers who were waiting to travel overseas for employment in 15 countries. (NewsWire)