The first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine purchased by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday morning, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.

Sri Lanka has received 26,000 doses of the US-made Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine today as the first batch. The US company is supposed to deliver altogether 200,000 doses.

According to the minister, 78,000 doses of the vaccine will be delivered to Sri Lanka in the first three weeks of July at a rate of 26,000 doses per week. This is reportedly the first time a country in the South Asian region has received the Pfizer vaccine manufactured in the United State.

Jayasumana said steps have been taken to store the vaccine in a specialized storage facility at the National Blood Transfusion Centre in Narahenpita, ColomboPage reported.

(SAM)