Addu City, Maldives – Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) has confirmed that Covid-19 vaccination for people over 65, under the Dhifaau Campaign, has started in Addu City today.
Today, vaccination for the same age group began in the capital Malé city as well. An announcement revealed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) informed that those who have registered to get the vaccine, individuals above the age of 65 will be notified of the time and place to attend to receive the jab.
Those who are going to receive the vaccine were instructed to bring in an official identification document, such as their national ID cards, as well as to ensure the following;
- Ensure that there are no signs or symptoms of the virus in the person going to get vaccinated
- Ensure that the individual is not quarantined
- Wear a loose outfit which provides easy access to vaccination site (upper arm area)
- Eat well prior to getting vaccinated
- Carry a water bottle when going for the shot
- Ensure that the recipient is not accompanied by more than one bystander
HPA further urged everyone to register with the portal, my.health.mv as soon as possible, in order to receive the vaccine. Any assistance required during registering would be made available by the toll free hotline, 1676.
Although the vaccination process is currently on going in only some regions of the island nation, the campaign will reach out to all parts of the country, with the aim of immunizing the entire population of the country within the upcoming six months – something which the Minister of Health of Maldives, Ahmed Naseem describes could make Maldives the first country to have vaccinated the entire country.
Despite the ceremony and excitement of the Covid-19 Dhifaau campaign launch, experts urge the public to not fall into a false sense of security and remain vigilant by practicing all health and safety measures against Covid-19 as the country has entered a third wave with a new variant of the Covid-19 virus found recently, which is far more contagious that the initial variant.
As of now, 16,276 people have been infected with Covid-19 in the Maldives, while 14,337 have made full recoveries. This leaves 1,879 active cases still in the recovery process, out of which, 178 are receiving hospitalized care.
With numbers on the rise, experts have warned that the country’s health care system is becoming overwhelmed, urging everyone to do their part in curbing the spread of the virus, and staying safe.
