The Health Ministry said no interruptions are expected to the Maldives’ COVID-19 vaccine program due to low vaccine stock.
43,817 people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine under the government’s vaccination program thus far. The COVISHIELD vaccine manufactured by India’s Serum Institute under a special licensing from AstraZeneca is being administered in the Maldives. While 100,000 doses of the vaccine were gifted to the Maldives by the Indian government, the government has signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to purchase 700,000 doses of the vaccine.
While the doses gifted by India is enough to fully vaccinate 50,000 people using two doses per person, the ministry was asked if the government would halt the vaccination program until more vaccines are received.
The Head of Vaccine Operations, Mohamed Hamzath said the government would continue to administer vaccines until all 100,000 doses are used up, as the vaccine stock will be replenished within this month. However, the exact numbers cannot be shared at this time, said Hamzath.
The Chinese government has announced that it would donate 100,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine developed in China. The Health Ministry said the vaccine will be administered once the Maldives Food and Drug Authority issues the relevant approvals.
