Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today launched a Covid-19 vaccine microsite, following its decision to approve the emergency use authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine.
Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech is set to arrive in Qatar today and it will be distributed to everyone according to the health standards set by MoPH.
Qatar will provide the COVID-19 vaccines to citizens and residents free of charge.
The new microsite contains all information regarding the vaccine and also explains how vaccines work.
READ MORE: Qatar Approves Pfizer And BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use
Initially, vaccines will be prioritized for three key population groups: older people, people with certain chronic conditions and key healthcare workers.
Older people
Evidence from both here in Qatar and around the world clearly shows that the risk of developing severe complications due to COVID-19 increases with age. People over 65 years of age have a higher risk of severe illness and death.
People with chronic conditions
People with certain long-term chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, or compromised immune systems, have an increased risk of developing severe complications as a result of COVID-19, regardless of their age.
Healthcare workers
Healthcare workers, especially doctors, nurses and paramedics working directly with COVID-19 patients, have an increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and catching the virus and becoming sick. Additionally, healthcare workers who catch the virus can spread it to their patients, many of whom may be at increased risk of severe complications due to chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
The Ministry of Public Health has signed agreements with Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech to procure their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are approved and released for global use.
The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine is currently not approved for children. MOPH’s Pharmacy and Drug Control Department has approved its use only for people aged 16 years and older.
People with a significant history of allergic reactions will not be given the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine. Anyone with an allergy should discuss this with the doctor before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to MoPH website people who had already recovered from virus will also need vaccine as COVID-19 is still a relatively new and unknown virus and while research to date indicates that people who have been infected with COVID-19 build up natural immunity it is unclear how long this immunity last for and how effective it is.
SOURCE: THEPENINSULAQATAR