Death of vaccinated elderly under investigation

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has commenced an investigation into the death of a vaccinated elderly in the Maldives. 

The deceased has been identified as a 93-year old local male from GDh. Gadhdhoo. The man had reportedly been suffering from other health complications for a number of years and had been bed-ridden for almost 10 years, according to the HPA. 

HPA also added that the man was administered the Covishield vaccine on February 17.  An official of the Gadhdhoo Health Center stated to Sun that the deceased was taken to the Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in GDh. Thinadhoo last night after his condition deteriorated. 

"As per protocol, a full investigation is being carried out to confirm the cause of death, and details will be shared once completed," said the HPA. 

Health authorities also stated that serious events including death can occur unrelated to the vaccine.

The Maldives began administering the Covishield vaccine, developed by the Astrazeneca and Oxford University on February 1. The vaccine is manufactured in India. The Maldives began the use of the vaccine upon emergency approval by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority. The vaccine has since been approved by the World Health Organization as well. 

Mild side effects of the vaccine had been observed in some cases of the vaccine, however, no reports of the vaccine causing any serious complications have so far been reported, with the number of total vaccinations currently exceeding 64,000.