LNP – Youth population highly reluctant to get jabs; only 20% vaccinated in Colombo

While commenting that the younger population aged from 20 to 29 show a great reluctance in receiving the COVID jab in the Colombo City, CMC Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni said that only 20% of the estimated youth population had so far received the vaccine.

He said there are 97,000 youth in the Colombo city limits who are eligible to be vaccinated and added only 20% had got it so far.

“This is a matter of serious concern and could lead to hygienic turmoil. People who haven’t received their vaccines as yet, are not only putting themselves in danger but others,” he stressed.

“Therefore, we earnestly request such individuals to get themselves vaccinated without any further delay and/or hesitation,” Dr. Wijemuni added.

The health authorities earlier said there is a notable hesitancy among the younger generation to get the vaccine in the country owing to myths such as Covid vaccines would cause infertility and sexual dysfunction.

However, they vehemently reject anything of that sort.