The Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated that four adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine have been recorded thus far in the Maldives.
The Maldives began its COVID-19 vaccine program on February 1st and 206,114 people have been vaccinated since then. While some suffered minor side effects, the number of adverse reactions is very less.
HEPC's Spokesperson, Dr. Fathmath Nazla Rafeeq said four people had to be hospitalized due to reactions from the vaccine. All such cases are closely monitored and investigated by HPA. The authority is also looking into three possibly vaccine-relate deaths that occurred shortly after the vaccines received the COVID-19 vaccine.
The first such death was recorded on February 19th when a 93-year old bed-ridden man in GDh. Thinadhoo passed away two day after he received the vaccine. The man had several pre-morbidities. The man passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital. The next day, the deceased's wife, aged 81, also passed away. She also received the vaccine together with her husband on February 17th.
Later on March 10th, a 45-year old man passed away while out at sea for fishing. He had received the vaccine the previous day. All three deaths are being investigated by HPA, and Dr. Nazla had previously assured the public that HPA would determine if the deaths were caused due to the vaccine.
Nazla noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set guidelines on the procedure to follow in the case of deaths following vaccine administration. Therefore, the deaths will be investigated as per the guidelines, and the findings will be publicized soon, said Dr. Nazla.
