53 more individuals have received their first doses against Covid-19, across the Maldives.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) through its latest figures publicized on Monday, revealed that 54 more vaccine doses were administered between March 19 – 25.

Under the “Covid-19 Dhifaau” inoculation drive, HPA administered 53 first doses and one second dose in the reporting period.

No doses of booster shots and second booster shots were administered in the reporting period.

Statistics indicate that the total number of first doses administered nationwide has risen to 399,313 with this development, with 385,132 people having completed both doses so far.

This means that 14,181 people are awaiting second doses of vaccine currently.

This development has also pushed the total number of booster doses administered across Maldives to 167,675.

So far, 0.34 percent of the eligible population have received two booster doses, the total sitting at 1,543.

Of the eligible population to receive vaccine doses in the Maldives, 88.18 percent have completed the first dose, while 85.06 percent have completed both doses and 37.03 percent have received booster doses.

Further, HPA revealed that 0.10 percent of the eligible population among children have completed their first doses.

The public health authority opened vaccination for children between the ages of five and 11.

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

Individuals who go in for vaccination will be required to bring their ID cards or an official document for identification purposes, 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.