Statistics released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have shown that 5 out of 45 COVID-19 deaths recorded thus far this month are of individuals who had completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The statistics shared by HPA on the request of AVAS Online show 14 days had passed since the second dose of the vaccine was administered to the individuals when all five people got infected the virus. All five succumbed to the illness while receiving treatment.
Out of the 45 deaths, 8 people who passed away had received the first dose of the virus. While a dose is considered as complete when 14 days pass since they receive the shot, all 8 people had passed the 14 days period when they tested positive for the virus.
More than half of the deaths were of people who had not received a single dose of the vaccine. HPA said 80 percent of deaths were among the elderly while 17 percent were of those below the age of 60.
While the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 are increasing in the Greater Male' Region, the cases include a significant number of people who have completed the two doses of the vaccine. However, vaccine remains an important tool to curb the spread of the virus, and the severity of illness in the event that a vaccinated person tests positive for the virus. HPA continues to urge the public to get vaccinated against the virus.
The Maldives has recorded 50,802 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in the first quarter of 2020. The archipelago has hit a toll of 114 as the archipelago struggles amid a raging wave of infections.
