Amid the increasing number of recorded COVID-19 cases daily, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) urges eligible individuals to get their vaccine booster shots and play their part in the fight against the pandemic.
Senior health officials at the MoPH say multiple local and international scientific studies show clear evidence that for the majority of people, the protective immunity against infection obtained from the first two doses of the vaccine gradually declines, supporting the need for a booster vaccination after six months following the second dose.
As of posting, 86.1% of the total population in Qatar have already received their two vaccine doses, while 232,016 booster shots have already been administered. All individuals who received the second COVID-19 vaccine dose at least six months ago are eligible for a booster shot. The Ministry has also continued to remind the public that the COVID-19 booster dose is safe and effective.
The Ministry has strongly recommended that anyone planning to travel abroad should ensure they have their booster vaccine before travel.
Yesterday, 25 December, the Ministry has recorded 279 new cases, with the majority coming from the community, which brings the total number of active cases in the country to 2,567. Earlier this month, health authorities announced that the first cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant have been detected in Qatar. All four cases were detected in citizens and residents returning to Qatar following travel abroad. Early evidence indicates that the Omicron variant is the most highly transmissible variant to date.
Read also: Qatar COVID-19 Weekly Roundup (16-22 Dec 2021)
COVID-19 booster doses are administered at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centres and PHCC is directly contacting people who are eligible for the booster vaccine dose to set an appointment.
Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been contacted can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 to schedule an appointment. COVID-19 vaccination appointments can also be made via PHCC’s bilingual mobile app, Nar’aakom.
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