The Ministry of Health (MoH) has considered certain categories of elderly people, people with chronic diseases, and front-line workers as the best candidates to receive the coronavirus vaccines, informed sources revealed to Al-Qabas daily. The first batch of vaccines will cover 5 percent of the country’s population once approved and after arrival with the agreed quantities.
The sources said MoH has agreed with recommendations that these vaccines not be given to those under the age of 18 and pregnant women, provided that the second batch of coronavirus vaccines cover about 20% of the total population, which is 4.7 million people.
The daily reported that the vaccines are optional, not compulsory, and will be given under an appointment system to ensure health regulations are maintained, and to prevent any gathering or physical contact as an anti-coronavirus measure.
As part of the features, once a citizen receives the first dose, he is automatically reminded of the date of the second dose at a later time, which will be after 3 to 4 weeks. The sources revealed that the Ministry has formed 20 mobile units from the Public Health Department, who will be able to grant coronavirus vaccines to those who are considered “bedridden”, whether from the elderly, people with chronic diseases or people with special needs, or those who are unable to reserve an appointment, and come to receive the vaccine in the specified center because of their health conditions.
The health teams expressed its readiness to deal with any intense demand at these centers once the vaccinations are introduced. Some vaccines may have temporary side effects like any other vaccinations, including headaches, muscle pain and high temperatures.
However, these symptoms are temporary, ranging from two to three days at the latest, and whoever receives a coronavirus vaccine will get a certificate confirming it, and allows for the possibility for it to be perceived as an alternative to a PCR test for any traveler soon.
On the other hand, the sources indicated that the preventive health teams in the ministry, which are distributed over the various health centers, have been working since the beginning of the crisis to handle the epidemic and follow up on the infected and contacts through the application of Shlonik app and conduct random field swabs and other measures. This is to monitor any breaches related to breaking the home quarantine, as inspection tours are continuing to take place suddenly most of the time.