- Officials urge public to get fourth dose, but transport unavailability makes this a challenge
Having spent the past two and a half years wearing a mask and interacting with people who are also masked, the relaxation of the mask mandate on 10 June took some getting used to. However, many of us continued to wear facemasks and adhere to Covid-19 safety guidelines.
On 25 July, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardane issued a circular, stating: “Considering the current Covid-19 disease situation, it is strongly recommended to wear facemasks indoors, when travelling in public transport, and when in public gatherings.”
While Covid-19 has been the last thing on our minds these past few months, four Covid-19 deaths were confirmed on 26 July, and 154 patients were detected on 27 July.
“Globally, in the past two months, there has been a clear, gradual increase (in Covid-19 spread), and this is apparent in every continent, especially Europe and America, and also Asia, where we live. There are also reports of new sub-lineages emerging from various parts of the world,” Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said, adding that an increase in daily detections has been seen in Sri Lanka during the last 10 days. He went on to say that one must be proactive and prevent the spread of the virus.
One way of doing this is through vaccination, and Dr. Ginige stressed the importance of getting the second booster before Covid-19 is widespread in the country. He added: “One can get the second booster three months after getting the first booster. This is especially recommended for persons over 60 and those with chronic conditions, but all persons over 20 are eligible for the vaccine.”
According to the Epidemiology Unit, 17.1 million persons have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 14.5 million have received the second dose, but only eight million have received the third (or first booster) dose. Only 17,203 persons had received the second booster dose as of Wednesday.
While health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated, the fuel crisis has posed a serious challenge to many. Hannah walked from her place of employment to her area’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH) centre to get the fourth dose, but said she had been delaying vaccination because she’s been so exhausted walking everywhere, especially to and from work. She also didn’t want to walk to the vaccination centre by herself, in case of medical complications.
“Trying to fit it into my walking/travelling schedule has been the challenge. Also they wrap up by 4 p.m. so it’s not like I can casually go in the evening,” Hannah said.
Shehan explained that he plans on going next week. “I was advised a month ago that it’s not essential if you’re below 60, but the same doctor now advises me to go get it, given the new variant,” he shared.
A few others said they wanted to go as well, but were unable due to the unavailability of transport.
“Got Covid-19 in April and I’m not sure how long I need to wait after it to get my next booster,” Amali said, adding that she would prefer to get it as soon as possible.
“Mum refuses to get it because the side effects from Moderna were pretty bad. But both us siblings will be getting a fourth shot soon so we can keep her safe,” Dash said.
Meanwhile, Minoli said she obtained the vaccine as soon as the required time had lapsed since the third dose. Her reasons were her elderly parents, relaxation of the mask mandate and the general attitude of people around, and being terrified of long-Covid.
Mahas and his wife went to the vaccine centre 30 minutes after seeing a post about vaccination. This is because they have two kids at home, only one of whom is vaccinated, and that too, only once. “Our parents are older. And my wife is a teacher. I was working in an office with many people,” he added.
“I got it in early July. Most people aren’t wearing masks anymore, so maybe it was time to take this as an indication that the strength of the third dose was probably weakening,” Binesh shared.
David got his fourth dose at the beginning of June. When asked why he got the second booster, he said: “Because Covid-19 is horrible, because getting it is a danger to family (older generation is fragile), and because we need to vaccinate (and mask, and ventilate/air purify) if we’re ever to contain this menace!”
Thyagi shared that she got it before the stock expired. She had other concerns as well, like the country running out of vaccines and being unable to purchase more or other countries making it mandatory for overseas arrivals.
While the vaccines used to administer the fourth dose were to be discarded by the end of the month, the manufacturer stated the shelf-life can be extended. As such, the Health Ministry, on 22 July issued a circular stating that the shelf life of four batches of Pfizer vaccines used in the country have been extended until 31 October, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) recommendations.
Among those Brunch spoke to about the fourth dose, Riva shared that, despite being one of the first in line for the first two doses (of Sinopharm) and the booster (Pfizer), they are yet to get the second booster. Citing two reasons for this, Riva said: “I’m not convinced that the booster and subsequent ‘diminishing returns’ of immunity is a good idea and I’m awaiting the next generation vaccine.”
