Optional vaccines to be made available through Aasandha

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced that optional vaccines for children can now be accessed through the Aasandha health insurance scheme.

This announcement was made during a campaign event held in Gaaf Dhaal Madaveli as part of the President's election campaign tour.

President Solih said that the national health service is on track to evolve into a self-sustaining industry.

Mandatory vaccines for children will be provided free of charge, while optional vaccines will need to be purchased.

- Rotavirus: Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea, and protection against it requires a complete series of three vaccine doses

- Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal infection, responsible for ear and sinus infections, requires a full course of three vaccine doses

- Influenza: Influenza can lead to flu, heart problems, sinus, and ear infections. Children under nine years require two vaccine doses, while older children require one dose

- Chickenpox: requires administration of two vaccine doses for protection

- Haemophilus Influenzae type b: a potential cause of sinus and ear infection, requires a series of three vaccine doses for protection

- Hepatitis A: two vaccine doses are required for protection against Hepatitis