HPA: 2nd Covishield dose can be administered after six months of 1st dose

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that the second dose of the Covishield vaccine in the Maldives would be administered after six months of the first dose. 

The decision comes amidst shortages in vaccine supply from the Serum Institute of India, which produces the vaccine under the license provided by the Astrazeneca company. 

A statement by the Health Ministry issued today read that it had received the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the vaccine administration. 

The Maldivian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization had also advised regarding the matter that the vaccine could be administered after six months. 

HPA said that it will be implementing the move and administering the second dose after six months of the first dose.