Booster shot delayed with global syringe shortage: HPA

Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Sunday stated that although additional doses of vaccine were received, booster shot administration cannot begin due to a delay in syringe availability.

Maldives on Saturday received 100,620 additional doses of Pfizer vaccine donated by the United States of America.

HPA stated that they were making necessary preparations to begin administering the booster shot to the public, but they are facing delays as there is a global shortage in syringe availability at the moment.

The authority further revealed that though the vaccine doses from COVAX facility were recieved in Saturday’s shipment, the syringes will be coming at a later date.

Hence, a final date to begin booster shots will be announced once the syringes arrive and all preparations are completed.

Currently booster shots are only available for the frontline health workers, senior citizens over 50 years and individuals with compromised immune system. HPA noted that they will continue to give the booster shots to those who fit these categories.