1st dose of vaccine will continue to be administered to select groups, even after March 15

Health Emergency Operations Center has announced that despite the decision to stop administering the first dose of Covishield vaccine in greater Male’ region on March 15, select groups will continue to receive the first dose.

Health authorities began administering COVID-19 vaccine in the capital on February 1. 175,456 people have received the first dose since then.

Health Minister Ahmed Naseem recently announced plans to stop administering the first dose and begin administering the second dose in Male’ to ensure greater protection against COVID-19.

HEOC announced on Thursday that despite the decision to stop administering the first dose in Male’ on March 15, select groups will continue to have access to the first dose.

They are:

• High-risk individuals such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.
• People who tested positive and are currently isolated (during the period they are eligible for the vaccine)
• People in quarantine following contact with positive cases (during the period they are eligible for the vaccine)
• People in quarantine after arriving from overseas or after travelling from Male’
• People whose vaccination was delayed due to a medical condition or for other health reasons

Health authorities previously announced Maldives will begin administering the second dose eight weeks after the first dose is administered. However, if the second dose is administered starting March 15, it will mean the second dose will be administered sooner than previously planned – six weeks from the first dose.