COVID-19: ‘We expect reduction in deaths in due course’

With some 40% of the population now fully vaccinated , Sri Lanka can expect a drop in COVID-19 deaths over time, a health official said, but as more people are jabbed, the percentage of breakthrough cases or deaths is expected to rise merely as a function of statistics and not because vaccines don’t work.

Health Services Deputy Director Dr. Hemantha Herath said that when a majority of the population wasn’t vaccinated against COVID-19, a high percentage of deaths were of those who hadn’t got the jab.

However, once a majority has been fully vaccinated – which will prevent many deaths and hospitalizations – gradually the percentage of people who died even after getting the vaccine also increases, he said.

“But in general we expect a reduction in deaths in due course,” he said.

The rise in breakthrough cases and deaths among the vaccinated can be explained by the fact that, as more people are vaccinated, some deaths and hospitalizations that occur will inevitably be of those who have been jabbed.

This does not mean the vaccine doesn’t work. Data shows that vaccination works for a vast majority of people.

According to Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, about 91 percent of Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 deaths were of unvaccinated people, while around 8 percent were partially vaccinated and about 1 percent was fully vaccinated.

Dr Herath said: “With more people getting the vaccine, a higher population will be inoculated. With that, the number of deaths will reduce over time. However, most deaths that are reported will be reported as vaccinated.”

Herath explained that this will be because some people do not produce enough antibodies due to weak immunity or due to a comorbidity.

“That doesn’t mean the vaccine doesn’t work. It will be mainly because of other issues. We ask the general public to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Every vaccine gives the required protection. Get the first vaccine you can get,” he said.