The Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has said it would resume administering the Pfizer vaccine to high-risk individuals this month.
Speaking at a press conference held Thursday, HEOC's Spokesperson Dr. Fathmath Nazla Rafeeq said the date on which the new stock of the Pfizer vaccine will be received will be announced next week. A specific date cannot be given at this time, she said.
Dr. Nazla said the Pfizer vaccine will only be administered to high-risk individuals and children between ages 12 and 17.
'We are working with the Education Ministry to prepare for giving the Pfizer vaccine to students. While discussions are ongoing, some decisions have already been reached. Vaccines will be given to students via their schools from specific vaccine centers. Vaccine administration will begin in the atolls a short period after the program is commenced in the Greater Male' Area, she added.
Dr. Nazla further said pregnant women who received another brand of vaccine as their first dose will be given the Pfizer vaccine as their second dose. Pregnant women who have not received any doses can also receive the Pfizer vaccine as their full doses, she added. Furthermore, students traveling abroad can receive the Pfizer vaccine if their destination country does not recognize any other vaccines.
