With an increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, public has been urged to play their part in the fight against the pandemic by getting the booster dose promptly when eligible and follow the precautionary measures.
Manager at Umm Ghuwailina Health Centre, Dr. Shawqiya Al Majid, said that the booster COVID-19 vaccine shots give an estimated 75 percent protection against symptomatic disease from the new Omicron variant. She said that studies suggest protection against COVID-19 reduces six month after the second dose and the third dose will increase the immunity level.
“A third dose does seem to boost immunity against the new variant. The data suggest this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible,” Dr. Al Majid told The Peninsula.
She also reiterated that vaccines were still likely to offer good protection against severe COVID-19, which required hospital treatment. “We encourage everyone eligible to get the COVID-19 booster dose and keep themselves protected. With more than 200,000 people receiving the booster dose, no major side effects are reported.
“We call on all members of society to do their part in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Receive the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible to receive it, and be sure to adhere to the precautionary measures,” she added.
Speaking about the four Omicron cases detected in Qatar, Dr. Al Majid explained that the patients are still in quarantine and their condition is mild.
“All four cases were among those returning to the country from abroad; three of them have received both doses of the vaccine but before more than six months. One person was not vaccinated. They were all mild cases and no hospital admission was required,” she said.
Dr. Al Majid explained that, a month after the Omicron variant was first identified, it has been found in 70 countries, while there is still much to learn about Omicron, more research is being done every day furthering health officials’ understanding of this highly transmissible variant.
“However, a growing body of evidence suggests the Omicron variant may spread more easily than any other variant identified during the pandemic,” she said.
COVID-19 booster doses are administered at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centers 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.
