Sri Lanka is planning to merge Astrazeneca's and Pfizer's vaccines.

According to the Daily Mirror, the government has requested opinion from the Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) on the feasibility of utilizing Pfizer-biotech as a second dosage of vaccination against the Corona virus for Sri Lankans who had Astrazeneca (Covishield) jabs as their first dose.

Prof. Channa Jayasumana, State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply, and Regulation, requested that Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardane inform him of the ACCD's position in this matter. A copy of the letter addressed to Dr. Gunawardane was seen by the Daily Mirror.

Because of the scarcity of resources, this option is being investigated.

Astrazeneca doses from around the world will be given to Sri Lankans as a second dose. Astrazeneca vaccinations are needed in Sri Lanka in the amount of 600,000 doses.

According to a German study, using a combination of Astrazeneca and Biotech vaccinations results in a significantly stronger immune response than using the same vaccination for both doses.

Yesterday, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) met with Pfizer officials to discuss how to work out logistical arrangements for the delivery of their vaccinations. In the middle of next month, Sri Lanka will get 300,000 doses of Pfizer vaccinations. (Kelum Bandara)