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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.

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