MFDA approves Covishield vaccine for emergency use

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has approved Covidshield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India for emergency use in Maldives.

In a statement on Thursday, MFDA announced it approved the use of Covisheild vaccine on January 26, following after due technical considerations and technical advice from National Pharmaceutical Board.

MFDA said that prior to issuing approval, they researched information from international institutions regarding the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the Covishield brand vaccine, and confirmed both vaccines share the same composition and formulation.

The Covishield vaccine shall only be administered to individuals above the age of 18 years. And is not approved for administration to pregnant women,” said MFDA in their statement.

MFDA said that individuals who are administered the vaccine will be monitored by the MFDA, Health Ministry and Health Protection Agency (HPA) for possible reactions.