Maldives to begin vaccinating children above 12 years

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has granted permission for children above the age of 12 years to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

In a press conference on Thursday evening, Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) spokesperson Dr. Nazla Rafeeg said children above the age of 12 years in Maldives will be administered the Pfizer vaccine. 

Nazla said Maldives has been guaranteed enough stocks to begin vaccinating children. 

“We have received confirmation we will receive Pfizer vaccines. We will, In Sha Allah, begin Pfizer vaccinations this month. An exact date will be announced next week,” she said. 

Nazla said Pfizer vaccine will be administered to children between 12-17 years, as well as expectant mothers. 

She said that expectant mothers who received Covishield as their first dose will receive Pfizer as their second dose. 

Meanwhile, people with comprised immune systems or taking long-term medication for chronic illnesses will also be administered Pfizer. The vaccine will also be available to those who received their first Pfizer dose from overseas. 

Nazla said that Pfizer vaccine will also be Maldivian students studying overseas if the countries they are studying do not accept any COVID-19 vaccine other than Pfizer. 

HPA is also working with Education Ministry to begin vaccinating school students eligible for vaccination. 

“We are already collaborating with Education Ministry to identify the number of school students eligible for vaccination. We are collecting details. This is in progress even now,” said Nazla. 

Nazla said that vaccination of school students will be organized through respective schools. She said Pfizer vaccination will begin in the atolls shortly after it commences in the greater Male’ region. 

UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS REQUIRED TO PAY FOR RELEASE SAMPLE 

Nazla said on Thursday that people who aren’t fully vaccinated who travel to islands with active COVID-19 cases will continue to be required to quarantine. And will be required to pay for their release sample upon completion of their quarantine period, starting September 1. 

The exact rate for the test has yet to be announced. 

Travelers are currently not required to pay for tests after mandatory quarantine. 

MORE RESTRICTIONS EASED 

HPA also announced additional easements in COVID-19 restrictions in the capital, including allowing restaurants and cafes to revert to regular operating hours, allowing offices to reopen, and allowing colleges and universities to resume face-to-face classes. 

HPA has also lifted the ban on parties and other public functions, but stressed that attendees must wear masks, maintain social distancing and other safety protocols.