159,507 persons have received booster doses against Covid-19 across the Maldives.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) publicized its most recent figures on Monday, revealing that between May 8 – May 14, 499 persons received booster doses, 18 more persons received first doses and 36 more second doses were administered.

By the end of Saturday, a total of 159,507 people had received booster doses against Covid-19, which means that 35.23 percent of the eligible population has received booster doses against Covid-19 across the Maldives.

So far, 398,615 people have received their first jabs, with 384,016 people having completed both doses.

Of the eligible population to receive vaccine doses in the Maldives, 88.03 percent have completed the first dose, while 84.81 percent have completed both doses.

By May 14, 14,599 people were awaiting second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, after receiving the first dose.

The incumbent government launched the “Covid-19 Dhifaau” inoculation drive on 1 February 2021.

HPA earlier announced that the administration of booster doses has been opened for all individuals, without the need for a prior appointment.

Individuals will be required to bring their ID cards or an official document for identification purposes, wear loose clothing with easy access to shoulders, can attend the vaccination center alone, and must come after a full meal . They must also not be symptomatic or under quarantine.

For now, HPA is only administering Pfizer as booster doses.

The government earlier announced the decision to administer booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccination, to immunocompromised persons, seniors and frontline workers.

The decision to administer booster shots to frontline workers and those at high-risk of complications from Covid-19 who have received both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, came following recommendations from the Maldives Technical Advisory Group on Immunization.

HPA revealed that the immunity provided by vaccination decreases over time and that a booster dose is required to boost immunity after six months, as it increased protection against infection and severe disease.

Authorities continue to urge the public to receive their vaccination shots, in order to help curb complications from the virus.