ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS SHOULD NOT DELAY COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER DOSE: MOPH

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) urged individuals who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose not to delay their vaccination appointment to ensure they continue to have high levels of protection against the virus.

Since September 15, 2021, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has been administering Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to eligible high-risk individuals who had their second dose of the vaccine more than eight months ago. The eligibility criteria include people over 50 years of age; those who are immunocompromised; and those with chronic conditions which increase their risk for severe COVID-19, regardless of their age.

Dr Soha Al Bayat, Head of Vaccination at MOPH, stressed the importance of the booster dose for eligible individuals. “It is clear from the latest clinical evidence that for most people the protective immunity obtained from the first two doses of the vaccine gradually begins to decline after eight months. Everyone currently eligible for a booster dose is considered to be at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection due to either their age or health status. For this reason, it is essential that people act quickly and come forward for their booster dose appointment when invited,” she said.

“The current COVID-19 status in Qatar is very promising. Thanks to the high rates of vaccination among our community and strong compliance to the preventive measures, the number of new daily COVID-19 cases has remained low in recent weeks. However, it is important that we do not become complacent. We know that individuals who received their second dose more than eight months ago will most likely begin to lose some of their immunity against the virus. Unless they receive their booster vaccine, they will be more vulnerable to severe infection,” added Dr. Al Bayat.

SOURCE – https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/10/10/2021/Eligible-individuals-should-not-delay-Covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose-MOPH

MORE FROM RADIO OLIVE