Only first Sputnik jab to be administered?

COLOMBO (News1st): Concerns have raised on whether consent had been obtained to administered only one dose of the Sputnik vaccine in the Kandy district. This was after a rubber stamp on the consent form handed over to those receiving the Sputnik vaccine in the Kandy District read that: "I consent to only receive the first dose of the Sputnik vaccine" "The first dose offers a lengthy period of immunity. The technical committee will advise on administering the second dose," Cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, a politburo member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, pointed out that professional bodies such as the World Health Organization should decide on the number of doses that must be administered. "Science cannot be altered to suit the needs of politicians," Jayatissa said. However, the Gamaleya Institute in Russia which manufactures the Sputnik vaccine has only said that the interval between the first and second dose can be extended. According to a notice issued by the institute, the interval which was previously 21 days, can be extended up to 3 months. Pursuant to an inquiry by News 1st, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation which is the official local agent of the Sputnik vaccine said it had entered into agreements with Russia to purchase both doses of the vaccine. Accordingly, 13 million in total of both doses has been contracted to be purchased.