Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, Qatar’s National Health Strategy Lead for Health Aging, on Monday told Qatar TV that the elderly people, especially those vulnerable to chronic diseases, should take the COVID-19 vaccine at the earliest. She also added that the concerned authorities are prioritizing elderly people. 

As people age, they tend to become more vulnerable to diseases as their immune system weakens. Aging causes their kidneys, lungs, liver and heart to become less effective, which is why they must take the COVID-19 vaccine at the earliest, especially if they have any chronic illnesses. 

She stated that if such elderly people got infected with COVID-19, they were more likely to suffer severe complications, posing a risk to their lives. So, getting vaccinated will help avoid any such undesired, critical situations. 

She further added that the COVID-19 vaccine is very safe and has no serious side effects. The normal side effects, such as the pain at the sight of the injection or high temperature, have been noted – with none of the problems lasting more than 24 to 48 hours, mostly without any medication. 

She reiterated that though people acquire effective immunity against COVID-19 with the vaccine, they are required to continue following the preventive and precautionary measures until the pandemic recedes. 

Dr Al Hareth al-Khater, Deputy Medical Director at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research, HMC, told Qatar TV that it is important that cancer patients take COVID-19. It is also required that they abide by the preventive and precautionary measures as cancer and its treatment can weaken the immune system.