The Drive-through Vaccination Centre in Lusail is only for people receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, reiterated a senior official.
People do not need an appointment at the drive-through centre. However, as the centre is only for people receiving their second dose, they must go there 21 days after their first dose. This date will be given at the time of the first dose at a health centre, said Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital, Dr Yousef Al Maslamani.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Dr Al Maslamani said that it is safe to take the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in a set-up outside the hospital.
“When a person takes the first dose at a health centre, their health condition, and if they have side effect, everything is recorded. Therefore, when they come to the drive-through for the second dose, the information is available with the staff,” he said.
Dr Al Maslamani also said that side effects are less after the second dose and in case needed paramedics from the Ambulance Service are available at the site.
So far, no major side effects have been detected in Qatar after vaccination, only minor side effects, pain at the site of the injection, slight fever and general fatigue that lasts for one day at the most.
To date, in Qatar, there have been no reports of anyone being hospitalized due to vaccination.
People attending the drive-through centre will be seen on a first-come-first-seen basis.
According to Dr Al Maslamani the vaccination process at the drive-through centre can be completed within few minutes. But at peak times people may have to wait a while other people are seen first.
After showing Ehteraz status and confirming all the papers such as health card, date on vaccination card and ID, people are send to the second gate, where a security guard will distribute the cars to 10 tracks, where the health staff can vaccinate 10 people at a time.
After taking the vaccine, the person is asked to go to the parking lot and wait for only 5 minutes to monitor the condition and after 5 minutes they will receive the vaccination card with second dose stamped.
The drive-through centre’s operating hours are from 11am to 10pm, 7 days a week. The last entrance to the centre will be 9pm.
