President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed the goal for the government's vaccination programme is for the first dose of vaccinations for all adolescents aged 12 to 17 to be completed by the end of the month.
Speaking at the Special Assembly held at Rehendhi School to mark the beginning of the new academic year, President Solih stated the Maldives has now successfully reached a new normal, as signified by the reopening of schools and the resumption of regular work hours at offices and businesses.
Speaking at the special assembly, the president emphasised that despite reaching the new normal, citizens should remain vigilant against new COVID-19 virus variants. He further highlighted the importance of the public's readiness to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination programme and reiterated the government's objective to vaccinate all adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old.
President Solih counselled parents, teachers, and students to carefully follow all COVID-19 control measures, and to work together to maintain the momentum established in curbing the COVID-19 virus in the country. He recognised that many children had been disappointed since they were not permitted to physically attend school during the previous academic year due to the pandemic, and advised pupils to make the most of this opportunity with a positive outlook. He also wished all students a successful, pleasant, and productive academic year and encouraged students to strive to overcome any obstacles to learning and endeavour to become productive members of society and to make their parents and family proud.
The government has revealed adolescents aged 12 to 17 will be given the Pfizer vaccine. As such, the US Government has donated 128,700 doses of Pfizer vaccine to the Maldives through the COVAX facility.