The eligible criteria in the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination will be updated every two weeks, Head of Vaccination, at the Ministry of Public Health Dr Soha Al Bayat said with the hope that first batch of Moderna vaccine will be available in the country soon.
She answered several questions by the public during a live Instagram session today.
“We are in phase one of the vaccination campaign for OCVID-19, at this stage people who are 65 and above, those with chronic illnesses with complications, for example diabetes with renal failure, or sever bronchial asthma and frontline healthcare workers are eligible at this stage,” said Dr Bayat.
“Soon in the coming phases of the campaign we will expand. Every two weeks or so you will see change in the age group, health situation and people entitled for the vaccine accordingly,” she added.
Dr Bayat asked the public to monitor the announcements made by the Ministry about COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
According to Dr Bayat the first shipment of Moderna will be available in the country soon.
“The two companies Qatar has made partnership with are Pfizer-BioNTech, which is available in Qatar at present, and Moderna. We hope to receive the first batch from Moderna in the coming several weeks,” said Dr Bayat.
She also clarified that at present the COVID-19 vaccine is not available for children.
“So far clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine has been conducted among those above 16 years. So, it’s approved for the age of 16 and above. As we speak clinical trials are being done for those are 12 and above. Once we have sufficient data of its safety and effectiveness then the younger group will be included. As more and more trials happen lower ages will be included,” she said.
Dr Bayat re-emphasized that there are no major side effects reported among those received the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine.
“So far there has been 3 million or more vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and other vaccines. We speak about Pfizer-BioNTech and we have only very mild side effects. No major or significant side effects were reported on those in Qatar, even when it comes to the world. Some had allergy to the components of the vaccine. Otherwise, no significant side effects,” she said.
“Most common is pain at the sight of the injection lasting for few hours to 24 hours. Increase in temperature some had headache. Nothing beyond the first 24 hours,” she added.
Dr Bayat stressed that here is no food, or antibiotic component in the vaccine, but people allergies should consult a physician and confirm that they are not allergic to any components of the vaccine.
SOURCE: THEPENINSULAQATAR