Maldivians advised to take booster shot before leaving for pilgrimage

COLOMBO – The Maldivian Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Wednesday advised the Maldivians to get their COVID-19 booster shot if they are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimage.

The Maldivians who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, six months before the proposed departure to Saudi Arabia, should take the booster shot two weeks before the departure, the HPA said.

The HPA said that the Saudi Arabian government expects those who come for Umrah to be vaccinated within a certain time period. If eight months have passed since a pilgrim received his or her second dose, the person involved must also get a booster shot prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Read more: Over 1 mln Chileans get 2nd COVID-19 booster shot

Local media reported that by March 16, over 143,000 people in the country have received the booster shot.