Dr Soha Albayat replying to The Peninsula reporter's question during the Instagram live.
Doha: People getting treated for chronic health conditions at private healthcare facilities are advised to submit a report from their attending physician at a health centre to be eligible to get medical certificate for COVID-19 vaccination.
Head of vaccination at the Ministry of Public Health, (MoPH) Dr. Soha Albayat said, “Take a report from your physician or may be copies of your lab reports or results and go to your primary healthcare facility or to any of the Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals and show them your reports.
“They may want to make some tests and evaluate you. And once you enter the system as having such illnesses and if you fit the criteria at present you will be given the vaccine,” said in reply to a question posted by The Peninsula during a live session on Instagram held by the Ministry.
During the live section Dr. Albayat answered many queries posted by the public about the safety of the vaccine and the vaccination procedures.
She encouraged the public to register on the Ministry website their desire to get COVID-19 vaccine.
“If you are eligible you will be called for a vaccination appointment. If not we will register your interest to get the vaccination and as soon as your criteria matches, you will be contacted for an appointment,” said Dr. Albayat.
According to Dr. Albayat Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine available in Qatar at present is free and safe for everyone above the age of 16 years.
However, she advised the pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to consult their doctors before getting the vaccine.
“There is no scientific data if the vaccine has any negative effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women, yet there is no specific data to prove that the vaccine has no negative effects. Also, any of the components of the vaccine do not pose any danger to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, it’s advised to consult the doctor see into the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Albayat.
Dr. Albayat also insisted that it is important to follow all COVID-19 precautions until a large number of people are vaccinated against COVID-19.
