22 test positive for measles; HPA launches special vaccination campaign
HPA has reported 22 confirmed cases of measles in the Maldives so far this year, with the majority of infections occurring among Maldivian adults over the age of 18. To curb the spread of the disease, a targeted vaccination campaign for healthcare workers and children under 18 is underway through June 30. Additionally, the agency is prioritizing vaccinations for individuals under 49 and those with incomplete immunization records who have come into contact with positive cases.
Efforts are underway to administer vaccinations to protect against measles. | Health Protection Agency
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has launched a special vaccination campaign following 22 confirmed cases of measles in the Maldives so far this year.
HPA has reported two additional cases of measles in the Greater Male' Area over the past week, bringing the total number of cases recorded so far this year to 22.
HPA has stated that the majority of those who tested positive for measles are over the age of 18, with Maldivian nationals accounting for the bulk of the cases. The agency further noted that a total of 543 contacts have been identified, of which 173 active contacts are currently being monitored.
HPA stated that it is working closely with relevant authorities to contain the spread of the disease, noting that a vaccination program has already been launched.
HPA has announced that this phased vaccination program will initially prioritize healthcare workers and children under the age of 18. According to the HPA, vaccinations for this specific age group are scheduled to take place from June 28 to June 30.
Vaccination services will be available at the Urban Primary Health Care Centre (UPHCC) on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. At Hulhumalé Hospital, the service will be provided on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, and on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Additionally, Senahiya Military Hospital will offer vaccinations on Sundays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, while Villimalé Hospital will provide the service from Sunday through Thursday between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Furthermore, HPA stated that preparations are underway to launch a third phase of the vaccination campaign, targeting individuals under the age of 49 who have not yet completed their vaccination series. The HPA noted that efforts are currently focused on vaccinating unvaccinated individuals who have been identified as contacts of positive cases. According to the agency, 220 contacts have been vaccinated to date.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that 1,537 frontline healthcare workers have been vaccinated.
