2nd Covishield shot can be taken after 16 weeks

Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) states the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has advised a 16-week gap can be taken between the first and second dose of Covishield vaccine.

In a press conference by HEOC on Wednesday, President’s spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said the decision was made following a review of practices in other countries, including Spain and Canada.

Mabrook said that further details regarding the decision will be shared by the TAG team in the coming days.

Maldives currently administers the second dose of Covishield within 8-12 weeks after the first dose. However, exceptions are made under special circumstances.

The country suspended mass Covishield vaccinations in early May due to the depletion of its stock, limiting vaccinations to special circumstances. However, mass Sinopharm vaccinations remains open, while Pfizer vaccinations is open for individuals above the age of 60 years, and individuals above the age of 16 years with underlying medical conditions.

Maldives recently approved emergency use of Russia’s Sputnik V – the fourth vaccine to be approved after Covishield, Sinopharm and Pfizer