Raajje MV has confirmed that the Maldivian government will initiate the nation's first Covid-19 vaccination programme on Monday.

RaajjeMV has confirmed that the Ministry of Health will be initiating the first Covid-19 vaccination programme in the cities of Male' and southernmost Addu, in addition to Kulhudhuffushi island in Haa Dhaalu atoll located in the north.

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) officially confirmed the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccinem, manufactured by India's Serum Institute, as safe for emergency use in the country last Thursday. The MFDA approval explicitly states that the vaccine is for "restricted use only in emergency situations," in the context of government use. Health workers will be the first to receive the vaccine in the island nation.

Covishield vaccines were cleared for emergency use in the Maldives after thorough technical analysis under the advise of the National Pharmaceutical Board, following the review of information submitted by the Serum Institute regarding the vaccines.

The Covishield vaccines manufactured by India's Serum Institute are based on the formula developed by the Oxford University proven to be effective in immunizing recipients against Covid-19. The Serum Institute of India is one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers, with a WHO-accredited facility. As per the most recent clinical trials conducted for the Covishield vaccine, it has an effectivity rate of 70 percent.

The Covishield vaccine has now been approved for use by the European Union as well.