36.92 percent of eligible population administers booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has disclosed that 36.92 percent of eligible population of Maldives have administered the first booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine, under the “Covid-19 Dhifaau” inoculation drive.

HPA published its latest figures on Monday.

As such, statistics shows that the total number of first doses administered nationwide has risen to 399,151, with 385,081 people having completed both doses. This is 88.15 percent and 85.04 percent of the eligible population, respectively.

Statistics indicate that the total number of booster doses administered across Maldives currently sits at 167,589.

So far, 0.31 percent of the eligible population has received two booster doses, the total sitting at 1,393.

14,070 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, and for now, HPA is only administering Pfizer as booster doses.

Individuals who go in for vaccination will be required to bring their ID cards or an official document for identification purposes. They are recommended to wear loose clothing with easy access to shoulders, and must come after a full meal. They must also not be symptomatic or under quarantine.

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.

The public has been urged to receive their vaccination shots, in order to help curb complications from the virus.