174 more persons receive booster doses against Covid-19

174 more booster doses have been administered against Covid-19, across the Maldives.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) through its latest figures publicized on Monday, revealed that 174 more persons received booster doses between August 14 – 20. Further, 84 more second booster doses were administered, alongside 11 first doses and 19 second doses.

So far, 0.25 percent of the eligible population have received two booster doses, the total sitting at 1,138.

This has pushed the total number of booster doses administered across Maldives to 166,445.

Further, it means that the total number of first doses administered nationwide has risen to 399,061, with 384,846 people having completed both doses.

Of the eligible population to receive vaccine doses in the Maldives, 88.13 percent have completed the first dose, while 84.99 percent have completed both doses and 36.76 percent have received booster shots.

14,215 people are currently awaiting second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

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

The administration earlier administered booster doses under appointment-only basis, however, it has since 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, must 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 initially 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. However, it was opened to all members of the general public, later on.

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 increases 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.