Experts urge all eligible to get C0VID-19 3rd booster vaccine in Qatar

C0VID19 3rd booster vaccine in Qatar

In the past two weeks, Qatar has seen a slight increase in new daily cases among people who were previously vaccinated and this is a reminder that the fight against COVID-19 is not yet over, said Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on Covid-19 Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

The local chief health official encouraged everyone who has had their second vaccine dose more than 6 months ago to get a booster vaccine without delay, to ensure they continue to be protected and enjoy near normal everyday activities. 

In a series of tweets on experts' advice on Covid vaccine's 3rd dose posted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Sunday, Dr Al Khal said the high rate of vaccination within the population has been one of the most important factors in Qatar's successful Covid-19 strategy in controlling the virus spread. This has meant that the number of new daily Covid-19 cases, hospital admissions and deaths has remained very low, he stressed.

He along with other senior health officials highlighted the importance of vaccination in controlling Covid-19. 

Co-chairperson of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee and Director of Health Protection and Communicable Diseases at MoPH, Dr Hamad Eid Al Romaihi; Managing Director of PHCC, Dr Mariam Abdulmalik; Medical Director, Communicable Disease Center, Dr Muna Al Maslamani and Dr Khal spoke about the importance of eligible people getting their COVID-19 booster vaccine promptly. 

“The high rate of vaccination within our population has been one of the most important factors in Qatar's successful COVID-19 strategy in controlling the spread of the virus and has meant that the number of new daily COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions and deaths has remained very low recently. However, we have seen a slight increase in new daily cases in the past two weeks among people who were previously vaccinated, and this is a reminder that the fight against COVID-19 is not yet over. I encourage anyone who had their second vaccine dose more than six months ago to get their COVID-19 booster vaccine without delay, to ensure they continue to be protected and enjoy near normal everyday life activities.”

- Dr Abdullatif Al Khal
Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on Covid-19 Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

“It is clear from the latest clinical evidence that for most people the protective immunity obtained from the first two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine gradually declines 6 months after the 2nd dose. With the virus continuing to circulate in Qatar and around the world, it is important that all eligible individuals receive their booster vaccine promptly to ensure they have high levels of immunity against the virus. Thanks to the compliance of the community in coming forward for their Covid-19 vaccinations, Qatar has managed to suppress the spread of the virus. However, Covid-19 remains a threat to health and all must not become complacent.”

- Dr. Hamad Eid Al Romaihi
Co-chairperson of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee Director of Health Protection and Communicable Diseases at MoPH

“Our dedicated teams at PHCC are currently administering Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccinations to people who had their second vaccine dose more than six months ago. All individuals who meet this criteria are encouraged to get their booster vaccine promptly to ensure they continue to have high levels of protection against COVID-19. Booster vaccines are available at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centers and PHCC is directly contacting people who are eligible to set an appointment. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been contacted can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 to schedule an appointment. COVID-19 vaccination appointments can also be made via PHCC's mobile app, Nar'aakom.”

- Dr Mariam Abdulmalik
Managing Director of Primary Health Care Corporation

“The roll-out of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program has been a great success and resulted in Qatar having one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. However, COVID-19 is still a threat to the health of Qatar's population and as the immunity from the primary vaccine series starts to decline 6 months after the second dose, it is vitally important that eligible people receive their COVID-19 booster vaccine promptly. The booster vaccine will enhance immunity against the virus and provide longer-term protection. If you are eligible for the booster vaccine, don't delay; please act now to protect yourself, your family and the community.”

- Dr. Muna Al Maslamani
Medical Director of the Communicable Diseases Center at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

Booster vaccines are available at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centers and PHCC is directly contacting people who are eligible to set an appointment. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been contacted can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 to schedule an appointment. The vaccination appointments can also be made via PHCC's mobile app, Nar'aakom.

Source: Ministry of Public Health