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Bangladesh allows Covid antibody testing ahead of vaccination


Published : 24 Jan 2021 09:36 PM | Updated : 25 Jan 2021 01:53 AM

The government has allowed antibody testing for Covid-19 in designated laboratories and hospitals ahead of the inoculation campaign.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Sunday at a briefing said they gave the clearance following the demand from the public.

“There had been a long-standing demand for the permission of antibody tests in the country. Now we have given the permission (antibody testing) and it starts soon after my declaration,” he said at the secretariat.

Antibody tests reveal whether the person has already been exposed to an infection or not.

 The decision comes ahead of the planned Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the country.

 The national technical committee related to Covid-19 earlier suggested the government introduce the antibody tests to see the efficacy of the vaccine.

 Bangladesh is using Oxford’s vaccine which is given in two doses – eight weeks apart.

 A nurse will get the first shot on January 27 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the much-anticipated campaign.