COVID-19 vaccine is safe, will receive shot along with frontliners: Dr Khal
- 3 years ago
Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair of the National Health Strategic Group on Covid-19 and head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) said that the pandemic is still spreading and active globally with a second and a third wave in many countries but in Qatar the situation is stable with around 150 cases of infection a day. However, the virus is still active and spreading.
It still is causing severe and critical cases. The death rate is fortunately still low.
As for the vaccine, Qatar has been very keen to obtain it from the first start.
On Wednesday, it will start the vaccination process through the various health centres across the country. The starting vaccines in Qatar from Pfizer and Biotech which are proven highly effective.
And have very rare and mild side effects. It is to be taken into two doses three weeks a part. The first cargo from Biotech will arrive by Airport tonight.
The priority will be given to the elderly, people with chronic diseases, health providers in the first lines, and employees who are in direct contact with the public offering key services.
I will take the vaccine myself and highly recommend that the targeted persons take as soon as available.
Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, the head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation said in Doha on Monday, said he would take the COVID-19 vaccine along with frontline healthcare workers as he sought to dispel the myths and fears surrounding the vaccine.
The belief that the vaccine affects the genetic makeup is not true, asserted Dr Khal.
The vaccination against coronavirus is optional in Qatar and not compulsory, he added, but urged the most vulnerable groups to take the vaccine.
Dr Khal also called on the public to continue taking precautions against COVID-19 until all members of the community are vaccinated.
“I recommend continuing to take precautionary measures until all members of the community are vaccinated. I will also take the vaccine as a member of the front lines, and I recommend that all health sector workers take the vaccine,” he said in a press conference held in Doha on Monday.
Dr Al khal there is high demand globally on the vaccine which means limited quantities allocated for each country so people has to be prioritized according to their vulnerability
So for the remaining part of the public they will get in time through out the upcoming month for the majority of the inhabitants as we have more quantities
Dr Al Rumaihi the vaccine is voluntary but the vulnerable categories are strongly advised to take it as it is safe
Dr Al Khal, most of the reported side effects are mild such as headaches, local pain, mild temperature that could last for up to three days if ever happened
The vaccine has been given to thousands of people in UK with very limited and side effects other than the rare cases who have hypersensitivity
It doesn't affect the genetic structure of the body this is completely wrong conception
Since the appearance of the virus it has at least three genetic leaps. Which changed the way it spread and infect people but there is no evidence that the vaccine would not be effective in such cases.
The procedures for travellers coming from UK are the same for all travellers and it is not in the green list of countries. Meanwhile, MoPH is closely monitoring the situation and would accordingly take the necessary procedures.
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