The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has provided three easy ways for the elderly to get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Elderly people registered under home care service of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) can call on hotline 44390111 to take the booster shot at their homes,” said Medical Director at Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad. Speaking in a Qatar TV programme yesterday, Dr. Hanadi, who is also Chairperson of the Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care, said if the elderly are not registered under this service they can communicate with any center of the Primary Health Care Corporation through hotline No. 40277077 to schedule appoint for a booster jab. She said dedicated queues are available for the elderly at health centers.
“Elderly people can also take the vaccine without prior appointment at Elderly Urgent Care Unit at Rumailah Hospital seven days a week including Fridays and Saturdays from 7am to 10pm.” Dr. Hanadi said these people can also call on 33253128 if they want an appointment. She said it was very easy for elderly people to take the booster dose, and urged them to take the vaccine as soon as possible for their own and family members' safety.
Highlighting the need for taking the booster shot, she said: “After passage of six months from the date of second dose of the vaccine, the antibodies in elderly people start decreasing. So they need booster shots, according to the international studies.”
Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad said the third vaccine dose boosts antibodies against all types of variants including the Omicron.
Dr. Hanadi advised the staff of healthcare service providers for elderly people to take the booster dose and adhere strictly to the preventive measures such as wearing face masks, avoiding crowded places, washing hands, and wearing gloves.
“A large number of people in Qatar have received third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Very few people showed minor side effects like headache, fever and pain at the place of injection.
“The Ministry of Public Health did not receive any reports of severe complication because of booster dose, so there is no need for worry about taking the vaccine,” she said, adding that people not taking the vaccine might suffer severe complications if they contract COVID-19 infection.
The Ministry has urged people to take the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at the earliest opportunity when their turn comes. Anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms should contact 16000 helpline immediately.
This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it.
