On Wednesday, a top official of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) confirmed that the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination will be announced in a week or two.

Dr Soha al-Bayt, Head of Vaccination at MoPH, said that in order to make more people eligible for vaccination, the second phase will have more categories. 

When asked if people age 54 or above would be eligible for vaccination during the weekly Q&A session, her response was that these categories will soon be considered for vaccination. She also emphasized that to become eligible for vaccination, it was important that people start registering online for vaccination. 

She added that there was no clear information if the COVID-19 vaccine would become annual, like the flu vaccine. Currently, the vaccine available in Qatar has been found to be 95% effective against the virus and there are no or mild side effects. She stated that further details would be confirmed later by competent authorities. 

Dr al-Bayt reiterated that it was important that those who have taken two doses of the vaccine would need to adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols and preventive measures, including hotel and home quarantine. She further added that until sufficient number of people have taken the vaccine, it was important that we continue following all measures, including social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing hands as well as other preventive measures. 

She encouraged everyone to register for the vaccination, regardless of whether they are fit or unfit in the present category, adding that the criteria would keep changing from time to time. Currently, only those fitting the criteria would be contacted. The details of those who do not fit the criteria would be recorder and as soon as the next phase with the new criteria is announced, those registered and who fit in the new criteria would become eligible.