Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated the Covishield vaccine provided by India is convenient for storage and transport in the Maldives.
On January 20, India had provided the Maldives with 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India based on the research of Oxford University and AstraZeneca. The vaccine is currently awaiting approval from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine will be rolled out for use in the Maldives upon approval of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), which will be based on the fulfillment of WHO standards.
HPA stated the Covishield vaccine can be stored in temperatures available in normal fridges and can be transported easily. HPA said the vaccine is appropriate for use in the Maldives.
HPA had earlier stated the vaccine may have some side-effects which are signs that the body’s immune system is working to defend the body against the virus. HPA said expected side effects include fever, fatigue, headaches and swelling in the injected area. HPA requested individuals displaying such symptoms to consult a doctor if the symptoms cause concerns or remain for long.
In addition to the Covishield vaccines, the Maldives is also set to purchase 700,000 doses of vaccines from AstraZeneca Singapore as part of efforts to vaccinate the entire population. Maldives is also expected to receive free COVID-19 vaccines for 20% of the population through the COVAX Facility, established to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines to all countries around the world.