Health Minister Ahmed Naseem has announced that the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered until March 15.
Speaking at a ceremony held to commemorate the construction of R. Ungoofaaru Hospital, Minister Naseem said while COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly in the Greater Male’ Region, the infections can be countered in an efficient manner only when the second and final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is administered.
Noting that a significant amount of time has passed since the Maldives began its COVID-19 vaccine program earlier on February 1st, Minister Naseem said the virus continues to spread rapidly despite the vaccine program. Authorities are now preparing to start dose 2 inoculations in the Greater Male’ region, said the minister. All individuals over 18 can be inoculated with the first dose before the second phase begins, and the country has the capacity to vaccinate 10,000 people daily, he added. Noting that the most number of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in the Greater Male’ Region Minister Naseem said he does not wish to see the same situation repeat tin other islands across Maldives.
The Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has previously stated that the second dose of the vaccine will be administered 8 weeks from the date on which the first dose was given. While over 150,000 people have received the first dose of the vaccine thus far, vaccination is open for all aged above 18 in the Greater Male’ Region.
