Bangladesh will continue inoculating the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen said on Wednesday.
The health minister made the comment at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, in response to journalists’ queries about AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment of a rare side effect and its announcement to withdraw the vaccine due to a decline in global demand.
Samanta Lal said, “The health directorate is scrutinising the side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine and has not found any detrimental side effects till now. That is why we will continue administering AstraZeneca vaccine." However, the directorate remains active, he added.
Regarding the reference to the dengue menace, the minister said the Health Division remains cautious to prevent any shortage of saline and necessary medical equipment required for the treatment of dengue patients.
He also emphasised cooperation from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives in the fight against dengue.
