Rational use of available vaccines to minimize deaths and severe disease due to COVID-19
We have received a copy of the letter issued by the DGHS on 2nd September 2021 regarding immunizing people 20 – 30 years of age in Hambantota with the Pfizer vaccine.
The Association Of Medical Specialists believes that it is the right time to draw the attention of the relevant authorities on following observations on the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination in our country.
1. The priority of our immunization programme should be to save lives, and reduce hospitalization of Covid patients. For this purpose, we need to initially immunize the vulnerable; i.e.; those over 60 years and those with co morbidities. Though recommended, this policy was not implemented initially, resulting in the high death rate seen today. However, we appreciate the fact that the over 60 year group are now being immunized. In addition, a sizeable proportion of fully vaccinated people are also succumbing to Covid-19, or filling much-needed hospital beds and ICUs.
2. Further, it is very important to emphasize that the immunization has to be done in a scientific manner. The rational policy would be to immunize the unvaccinated vulnerables as a priority, and then to consider a booster dose to the fully vaccinated group who are at risk of severe disease. Data from Bahrain, and also from Prof. Malavige’s group suggests that, while people below 60 years mount a good immune response to Sinopharm, it is evident that a minority of people of more than 60 years do not produce an antibody response (seroconvert) and are at a higher risk of hospitalization and death, compared to those given Pfizer/Moderna/ Astra Zeneca (AZ) vaccines. In addition, certain groups (transplant recipients/cancer patients on therapy/ recipients of immunosuppressive drugs) do not mount an adequate immune response following two doses of vaccine. Both these groups should receive a third dose of AZ/Pfizer/Moderna vaccine to prevent such undesirable outcome.
3. We have a limited quantity of AZ/mRNA vaccines. In such a situation, we find the administration of the Pfizer vaccine to healthy 20 – 30 year-olds, who can effectively mount an adequate immune response with the Sinopharm vaccine is irrational and unscientific.
We believe that administration of Covid vaccines should be done with the advice of a competent body of experts, such as the ACCD of the Ministry of Health. Deviation from the advice of the ACCD has already cost many lives by offering Covid vaccines to 30 to 60 age group before completing the vaccination of above 60 year age group. We hope that, even at this late stage, decisions will be taken in a more rational manner based on scientific evidence.
We reiterate as a union of responsible medical specialists, decision makers should always adhere to the vaccine deployment plan prepared by ACCD and submitted to WHO.
Thank you.
Dr LakKumar Fernando Dr R Gnanasekeram
President-Association Of Medical Specialists General Secretary-Association Of Medical Specialists
Ajith / September 5, 2021
Minister Namal Rajapaksa issued a statement that the Pfizer vaccine to Hambantota 20-30 years old was given according to medical advice. However, however the public wants to know the evidence of proof of this advice and it is nothing wrong to publicly show the evidence of proof of those in the government including President and Prime Minister and Opposition leader to what vaccines have they were given and when was it given. This will clear them from the allegations but so far none of the Rajapaksa family or other ministers or even the Military commander commander who is in charge of Corona in Sri Lanka. Will they do it now?
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leelagemalli / September 5, 2021
Contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious steps/actions being taken by an apolitical/novice man (with zero exp in sl politics) as the leader has ruined this nation as of today.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uutxpo13QE
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1PJdPc_Xuw
At the time, already known vaccines against COVID 19 were first released tot he markets, with the approval of WHO experts and others in the clinical trials, not much was clear in terms of patient clinical data covering all age groups.
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However, they were reliable information in the line of safety efficacy regarding over 60 age groups so that world experts could set it free for use. They were also well aware oft he facts based on some physiological risks (regarding blood clots in some age groups and few neurological effects) and logistics in terms both in developed and under developed world. It was unthinkable for a developing nation to expect such lower temperature storage conditions/facilities before for exmaple BioNtech/Pfizer vaccine be introduced. Anyways, with this being the ground realities, researchers had no other options but to release it to the use, as no other remedies were known yet so far.
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WHO recommended that the primary focus should be over 60 age group, highly vulnerable in concommitant diseases, the handicaped and above all health care workers.
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nimal fernando / September 5, 2021
“Are you an anti (any/all) establishment?”
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Native,
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No. I’m not anti anything …….. there’s no need ……… cause ……
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I believe man is an ape that belongs to the ape family …….. who displays nothing but the behaviour inherent to apes.
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My observations of them are strictly based on that ……….. I don’t look at them through any other lens.
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Higher level observations of their behaviour I leave to intellectuals/professors ……….. and enjoy/appreciate their comedic talents/interpretations …….. cant discount the need for humour and entertainment in us apes
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Goes back to Nietzsche’s unearthing of the Dionysian characteristics of ancient Greece ………. Greek comedies ……….. even back then, they too loved a laugh ……… nothing much has changed ………
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nimal fernando / September 6, 2021
“When a family minister utters lies on TV about allocating vaccines according to expert medical advise”
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That’s because a vast number of Lankans enable them.
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The Rajapakses aren’t fooling anyone ……. people fool themselves ……. stupidity is self-manufactured
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Have an election tomorrow …….. if there is a chance, the COVID-dead will rise up, thank the Rajapakses, vote for them, and go back to being dead. …… the relatives will bury their dead, go line-up in COVID infested queues to vote for the Rajapakses.
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Has/will anything changed/change? …… Lester, EE, Soma, ……. will still vote for them. Rhodes Scholar GL will vote for them. Imperial College alumni SJ will vote for them ………..
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Like EE brilliantly put …….. human intelligence has limits ………. stupidity, none.
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chiv / September 6, 2021
Nimal spot on. Most sensible and rational statement based on post vaccination studies, results and on future strategies. But doesn’t matter to Sir and his clueless men. Government will go ahead with it’s madeup statistics and haphazard ideas, start vaccinating the young and healthy this week. The Gypsies main lead and our national asset is no more. Thanks to Sir one less person to criticize.
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leelagemalli / September 7, 2021
Chiv,
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Sunil Perere was not cheap. Mahinda Rajapkshe could not buy him for money. Look at Jackson anthony or the like men, betrayed their souls just being that servile to Rajapakshes. There were not many among the actors/actresses and various other artists that were not cheated by Rajapkshe clan. All because their political survivals – first to cheat those prominent charactors and then their fans …….. how tricky ?
:
Great Suni perera had guts to express what he thought was right. With all other artists being like very cheap for any perks, but Gypsies lead – great SUNIL /Aiya/ had balls to attack anyone regardless of his or her status. He hinted that he would be in danger, if he continues to call a spade a spade as usual, but he has no fears etc.
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The kind of artists are need of the hour. SRILANKA lost another great personality.
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Btw, lester went missing all the past few weeks. Any news from him?😉😉😉😉
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Native Vedda / September 6, 2021
nimal fernando
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Full effect of vaccination drive will be visible in October: Minister Channa Jayasumana – Daily Mirror 6 September 2021.
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You do trust him don’t you?
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Channa balusumana makes every effort to stammer fairy tales on “dhaththa magadiya- erase of data” these days. How can these men ever be wiyath maga with smeared asuchi on them as of today? 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
“. We have a limited quantity of AZ/mRNA vaccines. In such a situation, we find the administration of the Pfizer vaccine to healthy 20 – 30 year-olds, who can effectively mount an adequate immune response with the Sinopharm vaccine is irrational and unscientific.”.
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WHO recommended that the older age group be prioritised with the vaccines based on the clinical data, from the clinical trials that were then carried out. Any govt not to have respected the recommendations should be cosidered as premeditated high crimes, punishable act since thousands already dead could survive if they were provided the jabs in time. Political stubbornness and lack of experience in handling the process under current leadership let fall dead innocent people. This is a curse to us srilanken s. 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉
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Humble / September 5, 2021
Administration Of Pfizer Vaccine To Healthy 20 – 30 Year-Olds Is Irrational & Unscientific
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Its irrational for everyone
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Humble / September 5, 2021
In addition, a sizeable proportion of fully vaccinated people are also succumbing to Covid-19
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Straight from the horses mouth. Thanks for admitting the vaccine is useless, and more than likely is the one killing people.
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Humble / September 5, 2021
There have been multiple warnings from the gematria database (gematrix.org) from higher sources,
warning freemasons what is going to happen to them for pushing this fake pandemic on the people, if they dont repent to god and do a full u-turn.
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Simon / September 5, 2021
This Pandemic situation is a “Disaster” that has affected the world over and not particularly to Sri Lanka. We have experienced such “Disasters” (As defined in our own Act of Parliament) many times and would foresee in the future too. Of all the “Disasters” the worst two we have faced so far are “Tsunami” and this Covid 19″. The irony is, both these arrived in Sri Lanka during the period of our PM Mahinda Rajapakse. During “Tsunami”, he (MR) did a “Trick” and tried to “rob” the funds but the then President intervened and avoided it. Yet, the, then Chief Justice too helped him to get out of the indictment and set him free. In this “Pandemic” disaster, the whole family (Royal) of “Rajapakse & Co.” is involved and no one can question or fight against the “Mishandling” (mostly to benefit the family) and “Mismanagement” of the situation. In this “Disaster” they are armed to the tooth with all the “Executive, Legislative and Judicial” power that no or any of them would suffer but the ordinary people would succumb to it even paying with loss of life of them and their loved ones.
It is time for the PEOPLE to raise the question and find an answer to “What is Real”.
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leelagemalli / September 5, 2021
Simon,
Tsunami hit the country in 2004. Thanks to CBK and Kadirgamar’s external affairs, entire rich nations donated sufficient funds. I know this very well, because my colleagues in Texas and Europe were procative in collecting over 50K (in US Dollars) or more for rebuilding of the livelyhoods of those who lost their properties. In the aftermath of the donations, we heard not much were gone to the hands of those who were really need- that is another story though.
And I am well aware of the fact that SIRILIYA GINUMA or anything like that of nature was overflown by the kind of donations, and later, MR was alleged to have embezzeled those sums. That SN Silva the man who ruined srilanken judiciary made it publicly, that the man should well have been convicted to the big theft, was released by him, … if he did his job properly, he would not have become the president of the country – and things would have worked well for the benefit of the masses. So called war victory was a fabricated story, since CBK govt had finished it a lot by the time, ballige puthas took over in 2005.
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leelagemalli / September 5, 2021
Continuing.
However, actor, Mahinda Rajapashe painted the picture in favour of their family politics-survival, that their partiotism succeeded the war which fought whtin the country for over 3 decades, making his brother, a millitary deserter, a most powerful defence secretary. If the latter had that much of PATRIOTISM, he should no thave left the country for greener pastures, bu the did….. srilanken press in favour of MEDA;MULANA b****puthas painted the picture no second to that FAKE RELICs STORY at Kelaniya Raja Maha viharaya. I dont need to repeat them here, because as of today, ENTIRE WORLD including those mercy cows amounting 6.9 millions of voters, are speechless about the capabilities of GR-MR rule. :::::
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In fact, GR-MR was ruling the country, only SWAZILAND, BELARUS and CHINA would have donated some coins to us. As you know entire world is against authoriratian rule of MR from 2005 – 2015 and now MR-GR rule, with only Bangaladeshis becoming their only ally to provide them with a swap transaction.
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And TODAY s crisis is just because, the man elected by 6.9 millions of mercy cows have not the least knowledge about governance. His kind of governance has become a joke to even school going children today.
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Simon / September 6, 2021
Dear LM: That history you have traced is nothing but the truth. That “TRUTH” brought down all-powerful and “Mha Raja” in 2015. Alas, the worst “Clown” was brought to power by the “Rev. Sobitha & Co.” and unfortunately for the country, he could not live to see the “Deluge” propelled by the “Clown” MY3 and the “Crook” Ranil W. Remember how this “Clown” colluded with MR and set up a Government for “50” days. Fortunately, the Judiciary saved us. Next, the “Clown” changed colors and clothed to be a “Criminal” to stage a “Massacre” named “Pasku Praharaya” – Easter Day Massacre. So both the “Criminal” Sira and “Crook/Rouge” Ranil W are responsible and accountable for “Re-Instaling” this present day “Rajapakse& Co. Inc.” in the seats of power under whose umbrella both of them are very well “Protected” and “Nurtured”. We must not FORGET this history that has propelled another worst “Deluge”. We have to face it and save both the people and the country. That’s not going to be that difficult as things are.
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Raj-UK / September 5, 2021
Is there a single official body comprised of virologists, epidemiologists & qualified health ministry officials appointed to advise the govt.? In UK, it is a sub committee under the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), compromised of relevant scientists & the Chief Medical Officer, who are advising the govt. Apart from SAGE, there are no trade unions & other self appointed experts advising the govt. on the covid strategy. There were various protests from medical staff initially but it was about lack of protective gear & other short comings, not about the strategy itself. The lockdowns were also based on scientific advise, although, Boris J did play around with lockdown dates, but on the whole, it was the single appointed scientific body that called the shots.
In SL, if I remember correctly, it was the GMOA who took lead with many medical, & even non medical ‘experts’, giving their advice on TV chat shows & in social media, while the former Health Minister was appealing to divine powers & promoted unproven local remedies, which, even the govt. endorsed but the health professionals were silent on the backward & irresponsible response to covid.
Cont.
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Raj-Uk,
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no such a body, but they have virologists as experts. Each and every university should have at least one Prof in virology as far as my info are concerned. Did you notice any time that those profs as experts in virology were invited by SRILANKEN media ? OR srilankens govt forums ? NO
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That is the difference between current and former govt. Former govt allowed even experts in many areas be called in TV programs. The transparence and accountability were there, even if media biased to MEDAMULANA criminals, painted the picture in disadvantageous to previous govt. As a result it went viral with that Pasku SUNDAY bomb blast which killed over nearly 270 worshippers injuring thousands on the 21 April 2019.
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Going back to the TIMES of ACTOR- Mahinda Rajapkashe as the president, issues were no different. With CABINET minister stayed as if their senses were impaired, only BASIL, NAMAL, CHAMAL and any one with the surname along with their backlickers were placed above the law, totally neglecting the respect and dignity of the people. How man JOURNOS left the country and went missing are documented and watched by human rights organisation.
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Continuing.
CW named srilankens then as one of the highly criminals, only having close contacts with SWAZILAND, BELARUS and few other, like minded nations whose leaders glorified of so called WAR VICTORY of actor Mahinda Rajaakshe.
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This time the virulent nation of RAJAPKSHES have reached beyond unestimable levels, leaving the nation totally in a lurch in terms of COVID ciriss which even any powerful country would not surivive without responsible govt ‘s genuine role.
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But the MILLION dollar question would be, HOW CAN WE EXPECT the genuine nature knowing that the leadership is not at all honest, nor have they the capabilities to do the due timely in the containment the island nation from BEING caught by the fatalities. AMS and other bodies that can read the predictions going by current numbers, warn regularly but leadership behavs as if their senses were made imparied…. PEOPLE ARE REALLY IN A REAL BIG PROBLEM IN MY HOME COUNTRY:
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Devine forces over to you, please TAKE CARE OF OUR INNOCIENT people !!!!
CW named srilankens then as one of the highly criminals, only having close contacts with SWAZILAND, BELARUS and few other, like minded nations whose leaders glorified of so called WAR VICTORY of actor Mahinda Rajaakshe.
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Now it is high time srilanken s come to streets with banners on ” human life matters”.
. .
.They let innocient people die without vaccines, medicine and proper care. Uneducated military men ignore the recommendations of medical experts. To my knowledge Army commander is not even a person with the qualification of a paramedic but to be the lead of decision s on the fatal contagious disease control??????perhaps former health minister, Apawithra Wanniarachach will open the pandora box sooner than later. 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉
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Raj-UK / September 5, 2021
Cont.
In the early stages of the pandemic, I remember a govt. minister stating that SL does not need a vaccination as the pandemic was under control but an year later, the pandemic is on the rampage. While countries which were badly affected now have the pandemic very much under control & life getting back to normal, SL seems to be still muddling around, not even learning from other countries.
Wonder if there epidemiologists in the Association of Medical Specialists. By the way, Sinopharm is not accepted in Europe & its efficacy is considered to be about 40% compared to 70% of AZ & Pfizer & not very effective against the Delta variant either. After vaccinating the elderly & the most vulnerable, UK has vaccinated over 70% of the adult population, including those over 30 & now, those over 15 also have the option.
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / September 5, 2021
When a family minister utters lies on TV about allocating vaccines according to expert medical advise, he knows that he will not be held accountable for the lie. Most people who watch Sri Lankan TV wouldn’t know any better anyway. So, their ancestral village gets the best, when dozens of very vulnerable people in the covid hotspots in Colombo and Gampaha etc die like flies in hospital corridors for want of better immune strength from effective vaccines. That is one hell of a law for one country..!
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Rajash / September 6, 2021
Why prioritise Hambantota.?
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Rajash,
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why MATTALA airport was built near to Hambantota ? 10 years passed since it is open for passengers, no income is the case.
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Why Hambantota harbour was built there ? while lot more in CMBO harbour is long due.
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Why Suriyawewa stadium was built there ?
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Why lotus tower was built ?
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Why Nelum pouna theatre was built ?
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Ad / September 6, 2021
This is bribery. Such candidates should be prohibited from contesting from these electorates in future.
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a14455 / September 6, 2021
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leelagemalli / September 6, 2021
Thanks for giving us a break. a14455 / September 6, 2021.
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Get well soon.
. Criminals in my home country let the elderly people die without timely vaccinations. .
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Why Covid maraya is too late on Rajapakshes is the question go they my head as I am adding this😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
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a14455 / September 7, 2021
Lakkumar Fernando
Centre for Clinical Management of Dengue & Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, Negombo, Sri Lanka
MBBS, DCH, MD(Paed), MRCP(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCP(London)
Clearly an expert in Covid . lol This is the problem all these clowns have become experts in this disease which they know nothing of.
“We have a limited quantity of AZ/mRNA vaccines. In such a situation, we find the administration of the Pfizer vaccine to healthy 20 – 30 year-olds, who can effectively mount an adequate immune response with the Sinopharm vaccine is irrational and unscientific”
Typical western bias from our gonas. This seems to suggest that the mRNA vaccines are better. isn’t thisthe same dr who delayed the Snopharm vaccine bt 3 weeks ?
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a14455 / September 7, 2021
May Be lalkumar and the other panditayas should have a look at this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v5VrpgXPm4
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leelagemalli / September 7, 2021
Listen, viral diseases are not new to begging nations of our nature: And almost everyone born to that soil was treated with other vaccines unlike the case in europe and north america. So, logistics is much easier in sl for vaccinations because nurses and doctors are familiar with the process. With this being the reality, GOTA-the man without hearts to order not to prioratise over 60 year olds ? – UNO should focus on this issue….. this b putha should be punshed long ago… now with his plan to pay a visit to CA,…. divine forces will check it outs.. god bless srilankens !
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Dengue and the like are very common to our people.
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In such a country, vaccination marathon to go wrong ? There, no doubt, it is due to total incapacity.
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GOTA should be sent to Kindergarten at least today., else, the next 3 years will be darker. Those will covid-survive have to face it.
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Experts resound – 8 out of 9 death (hour rate) is over 60 year old and none of them were injected with the vaccine as recommended by WHO and INDIANs.
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Who changed the vaccine age groups ? should be PUNISHED without delay.
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leelagemalli / September 7, 2021
Srilanken vet prof. is right, but his explanation in sinhala is wrong. I think he is right, about information on africans that usually take ivermectin in order to be away from worm-dependent diseases. How can virus be considered as eucaryotes ?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hikJNmPgqbA
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People open your eyes, the journalists in our hell donot seem to have the basic knowledge about biology, let alone, what more talk about their knowledge based on microbiology.
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leelagemalli / September 7, 2021
“Typical western bias from our gonas. This seems to suggest that the mRNA vaccines are better. isn’t thisthe same dr who delayed the Snopharm vaccine bt 3 weeks ?”
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Bp-
a14455 / September 7, 2021@
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No matter where it comes from, but with sufficient clinical data.
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As everyone except you the kind of asskissers of brutal family, all others with some knowledge is well aware of the facts, that CHINESE-VACCINEs have no sufficient clinical data. How that nation being kept under control could well be connected with their alternative medicine plus several other factors.
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Like or not, believe or not, the truths will succeed- Rajapakshes have lost the faith kept on them as of today. There are numerous video clips that question when would MaRa kick the bucket, and why is it that delayed ?.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiMSP_NJ3g0
The man whose moda chinthanaya woudl have been good enough to please punnaku drinkers but not entire nation. They got passed it again in the parliament, even if HUMAN FLESH should be consumer meat, those pulligonas in the parliament will say “yes” – and proved it so far. B”’puthas did not respect WHO and AMS recommendations, even if COVID would not kill them, the bugger et al have to face the music in the future. Wait and see how it ll work for them next.
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a14455 / September 7, 2021
Resident Donkey Leelas
may be you should look at the research that is coming out of Israel that shows the natural immunity is 13 times better than mRNA-induced immunity (Pfizer) in a study of 700000 people.
No don’t worry about that keep ranting and raving like a fool about MaRa and GoRa or whatever
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Ajay Sundara Devan / September 7, 2021
What is most irrational and unscientific in the country is: one brother is the president, another brother is the prime minister, and another one is the finance minister, and yet another one is a cabinet minster, and two sons are also ministers. And an infinite number of their relatives have also ensconced themselves in key government positions. It is a bit unrealistic to expect rational behaviour and scientific decision-making in this feudal setup.
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leelagemalli / September 7, 2021
This is why I believe:-
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COVID vaccines should be injected to the people, while LETHAL injections instead ought to be to the politicians (Rajaakshes and their henchmen), can do lot more good to the future of island nation.
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Criminals get convicted to their high crimes, will be given ” lethal injections” in the US , while some are sent to life long imprisonments. But our courts being biased to politicians, dont react properly. That is why CRIMINALs become head of state in my country.
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And the most unbearable is – they make every effort to get passed a law so that any illegal frausters could bring their loads of hidden funds into the country. ” that will be a plus to GOTABAYA, UDAYANGA BURUWANSE, MAHINDARA RAJAAKSHE and all their henchmen, incl. that ALUTHGAMAGE and and… it is to turn black money into usual currency.
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justice / September 8, 2021
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9951703/HALF-16-17-year-olds-England-Covid-vaccine.html
In England most teenagers have been given Covid vaccinations and this has prevented thousands of new cases and hospital admissions.
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palmsquirrel / September 9, 2021
Sri Lanka might have a severe lack of vaccines, in which case the elderly and those with compromised immune systems should get the vaccine first. If there is any leftover vaccines, the young and healthy can get it.
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justice / September 8, 2021
Also in UK, Booster vaccination program will commence in September – for those already fully immunised.
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palmsquirrel / September 9, 2021
The only reason to get the Sinopharm vaccine is if you don’t have any other choice. If there is a vaccine shortage in Sri Lanka, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems should receive vaccine. The young and healthy should be last on the list.
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leelagemalli / September 9, 2021
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palmsquirrel / September 9, 2021
The Rajapaksas have most surely gotten the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. They will give Sinopharm to the common man.
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a14455 / September 10, 2021
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leelagemalli / September 10, 2021
a14455 / September 10, 2021
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Thanks very much for making it short.
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Get well soon !
Cheers
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