Two more vaccines added to national immunization schedule

Two additional vaccines have been included in the Maldives’ national immunization schedule, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said.

In a post on social media, HPA said pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines have been added to the country’s list of basic childhood vaccines.

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumonia and meningitis, while the rotavirus vaccine prevents severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Both vaccines will now be administered to children at two, four and six months of age.

Pneumococcal and rotavirus shots were previously optional, but will be covered under Aasandha once incorporated into the national schedule.

Mandatory vaccines already include MMR, polio, hepatitis and tetanus.