The Maldives has decided to roll out booster Covid vaccine shots to vulnerable and individuals at high risk amid growing fear of another Covid wave as infections jumped in recent weeks. Almost all of its eligible population has already received at least one dose and over 50 percent of them are now fully vaccinated. 

The decision came after the recommendations from the Maldives Technical Advisory Group on Immunization, where it was decided to administer booster shots to frontline workers and those at high risk of complications from Covid-19. 

Those who have received their second dose at least six months back would be eligible for booster doses. People who have undergone an organ transplant, those on immunosuppressant drugs, long-term steroids as well as patients undergoing dialysis, would also be included. 

With a population of little over 700,000, the Maldives has recorded over 90,000 Covid infections since the beginning of the pandemic in March last year. Its tourism-dependent economy suffered most--recording almost 30 percent contraction--last year. With sustained efforts and innovation, the tourism industry started recovering this year.

In recent weeks, authorities recorded a slight increase in the number of Covid-19 infections, forcing the government to consider measures--including booster doses--to prevent another wave. 

(SAM)