The Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) has stated that no adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine have been experienced thus far by any individual who received the vaccine in the Maldives.
Over 9,000 people have received the COVID-19 vaccination under the national vaccine drive until now.
Normal reactions to most vaccines, such as pain at injection site, itching, swelling and bruising as well as fever, lethargy, headache, nausea, joint and muscle pain may be experienced due to the COVID-19 vaccine. Reactions such as dizziness, no appetite, stomach ache and swollen nodes are more severe allergic reactions to the vaccine.
HEOC Spokesperson, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq Sunday said although small reactions such as heart palpitations and throat aches have been experienced by two individuals who received the vaccine, no reactions that required hospitalisation have occurred thus far. Reports of fever, muscle and joint pain have also been received, said Nazla.
Pain at the injection site is sometimes treated at home by some by using hot compresses. However, this is not a recommended treatment. Medical professionals advise not to use hot compresses on red and swollen injection sites.
Health professionals have said that those under the age of 18 and pregnant women are not recommended to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Therefore, the vaccine will not be given in the Maldives to individuals that come under both categories. However, it is safe for nursing mothers to receive the vaccine.
It is also safe for those on blood thinners to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they are in stable condition. If the person is not in stable condition, excessive bleeding is a risk of the vaccine. However, those using blood thinners for long term are usually in stable condition, and the risk does not usually apply to them.
From among those who have recovered from COVID-19, 28 days must have passed since infection before such a person can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This means the vaccine cannot be administered 14 days after the person is infected with the virus. A person who has received a vaccine against another disease must wait 14 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
