On the 10 December 2025, Maldives successfully introduced both PCV and rotavirus vaccines with a launching ceremony presided by the Minister of Health. The introduction of these vaccines is a joint initiative by the Ministry of health, Gavi, the vaccine Alliance, World Health Organization, UNICEF and other partners. The country plans to reach an annual birth cohort of about 7,000 children with both vaccines.
The Health Protection Agency of Maldives has updated the National Immunization Schedule to include the Rotavirus vaccine (ROTASIIL Liquid) and the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, PCV, (Pneumosil), effective 10 December 2025. These vaccines—which were previously optional—are now provided free of charge at all designated vaccination centres, with no prescription required for routine use.
The rotavirus vaccine will prevent severe gastroenteritis, while PCV w protects will protect against severe pneumococcal disease including meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. Both vaccines follow a 3‑dose schedule at 2, 4, and 6 months, and can be administered concurrently with oral polio, pentavalent, and IPV vaccines. Health workers are required to follow the nationally approved schedule, which aligns with WHO recommendations.
Photos of the launch
/teams/communicable-diseases/immunization-vaccines-development/introduction-of-rotavirus---pneumococcal-vaccines-in-the-maldives.jpg?sfvrsn=1fafe0d4_3 "Introduction of Rotavirus & Pneumococcal Vaccines in the Maldives")
/teams/communicable-diseases/immunization-vaccines-development/introduction-of-rotavirus---pneumococcal-vaccines-in-the-maldives2.jpg?sfvrsn=3324c72f_3 "Introduction of Rotavirus & Pneumococcal Vaccines in the Maldives2")