Vaccinations against Covid-19 for children under the age of 12 are expected to begin in September

Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal

Children under the age of 12 may be able to be vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of September, according to Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategy Group on Covid-19.

Speaking to Qatar TV, he said: “We hope by September or October, the majority of the population will have received the vaccine. Children under 12 years old are not eligible at present, but there is a possibility that the vaccine will be approved for this age group before the end of September.”

Al Khal said: “We in Qatar were able to control the third wave, thanks to the vaccination programme, which is moving at a rapid pace, the precautionary measures in place and the commitment of members of the community. This matter contributed to reducing the spread of the second wave.”

Speaking on the vaccination centre for business and industry being closed, Al Khal said: “The centre was closed because some did not adhere to appointments, but within two days it would be reopened with new regulations.”