Maldives begins administering Pfizer vaccine

Maldives has begun administering the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine under its COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) states the administration of the first dose of Pfizer vaccine began at Hulhumale’ Hospital and ADK Hospital at 09:00 am this Sunday.

The vaccine is available solely for pre-registered individuals by appointment.

Registered individuals will be contacted by HPA to provide appointment details.

Only select groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. This includes children of 16 and 17 years and adults above 60 years with comorbidities on long term medication for chronic diseases, and individuals with specific medical conditions listed below:

• Individuals who have undergone organ transplant
• Dialysis patients
• Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Individuals on immunosuppressants
• Individuals requiring steroids for chronic illnesses
• Diabetes patients
• Thalassemia major and sickle anemia patients
• Down syndrome patients
• Patients with diseases such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis
• Congenital heart disease patients (who have not undergone surgery)

HPA states that given that the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -70°C, the vaccine will be mainly administered in the greater Male’ region.

Maldives received 5,850 doses of the Pfizer vaccine through the COVAX facility last March.