Over 1,500 have received COVID vaccine booster shots

IGMH pulmonologist Dr. Mohamed Ali gestured as he receives a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. (Photo/Twitter/Dr. Mohamed Ali)

Health Protection Agency (HPA) states that 1,577 people in Maldives have received COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

Maldives began administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots on October 3. The booster shots are currently available to individuals above the age of 60 years and immunocompromised individuals.

This includes:

Individuals who have undergone organ transplant

Individuals on immunosuppressants (including Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Mycophenolate, Tacrolimus, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Azathioprine and Biologics such as Rituximab, Tocilizumab, Infliximab, Tofacitinib)

Individuals on long-term steroids (10 mg or higher for over one month)

Dialysis patients

Cancer patients on treatment or who have been on treatment less than one year ago

Individuals who are obese (BMI of 40 or more)

Individuals taking or recommended oxygen therapy at home by a doctor due to pulmonary disease

Individuals with pulmonary diseases such as COPS, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or interstitial lung disease

Individuals with liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis

Diabetes patients with organ damage

Individuals who are bedridden due to old age or disease

The booster shot is administered minimum 60 days after the administration of the second shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Booster shots are administered in two hospitals in the greater Male’ region. They are:

ADK Hospital: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm

Hulhumale’ Hospital: 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm

Eligible individuals who wish to receive the booster shot can book an appointment via HPA’s portal.

Over 1,500 have received COVID vaccine booster shots

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