HPA to resume measles vaccination for people with incomplete doses

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced plans to resume measles vaccinations for individuals who have not completed the recommended vaccination schedule, following the re-emergence of measles cases in the Maldives.

Speaking on a Public Service Media (PSM) programme on Friday, HPA Public Health Director Nashiya Abdul Ghafoor said the agency had decided to offer vaccinations to people who had not received both required doses of the measles vaccine.

She said arrangements are currently underway to import additional vaccine supplies.

Under the national vaccination programme, children receive two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines. Nashiya advised that individuals who do not have documentation confirming they received the vaccines should consider completing the two-dose schedule again.

According to HPA, people with weakened immune systems and those undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses face a higher risk of complications from measles.

Nashiya said vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and related complications.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the Maldives nine years ago, imported and isolated cases have continued to be reported from time to time. Health authorities have previously implemented containment measures to prevent wider transmission.

HPA said efforts are currently underway to control the spread of the disease and prevent further infections during the current outbreak.

The agency also urged members of the public to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever accompanied by a red rash.

Individuals being tested for measles have been advised to remain in isolation until their results are confirmed, while anyone showing symptoms has been urged to avoid public gatherings.

The warning comes as health authorities continue to monitor the spread of measles in neighbouring countries and other parts of the world.