If You Have Not Vaccinated Yet, Here is Your Chance!

In an official announcement via their social media handles, Health Protection Agency has announced the resumption of the second round of vaccination in the Greater Male’ area from today onwards.  

According to the announcement, this is an open call for everyone who were not able to get vaccinated previously to receive the first of two dozed of Sinopharm vaccine. The second doze will be administered 3-4 weeks after the first doze.  

This inactivated vaccine is currently approved for use in more than 20 countries. It is a development of Sinopharm, Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co-Ltd of China. It is a conveniently transportable vaccine since the it can be stored in normal fridge temperatures (+2 °C - +8 °C). 

The vaccine can be received by everyone between the age of 18 and 60 years. However, pregnant women, people with diseases or on medications that make the immune system weak are to refrain from getting vaccinated in this round. Also, patients with currently active COVID19 cases can receive the vaccine 28 days from onset of symptoms, after recovery. If you are unwell at the moment, with or without fever, take note of getting the first doze 3 days after the symptoms resolve.  

Once vaccinated, patients are advised to keep a look out for the common side effects: 

• Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling, or bruising at the injection site 
• Fatigue 
• Headache  
• Fever or shivering 
• Vomiting or diarrhea 
• Joint pain 
• Muscle ache 

Side effects unless severe are normal signs that the body is building protection against the COVID19.  

Kindly remember to take proper identification documents when you go to get vaccinated. Wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing.