President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged citizens to receive their COVID-19 vaccines for the sake of their families and to protect the community.
In a tweet, President Solih said vaccines are the way for Maldivians to resume their normal lives by going to work, running their businesses and being with their family and friends. He made the statement on the day the government began a nationwide vaccination programme, with the aim of inoculating 90% of the eligible Maldivian population by the end of August.
Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) has revealed that more than 70% of the eligible population have received the COVID-19 vaccine in the Maldives while 27% remain unvaccinated. Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that vaccination appointments are now open for all residents in the Greater Male' Region. HPA stated vaccination appointments are available for those who are unvaccinated as well as those who received the first dose of the Covishield vaccine.
HPA also stated the AstraZeneca vaccine can be administered as the second dose for those who received Covishield as their first dose, as the two vaccines share the same formula. HPA stated vaccination appointments can be made through the designated link on its website and that individuals are required to be present at the appointment at least 15 minutes before the appointment time.
Individuals who fail to show up on time will have their bookings cancelled and will have to book a new appointment for another date.