A senior public health official from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has shared important advice regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a video message posted on the Ministry’s Twitter page, Head of Vaccination at MoPH, Dr Soha Al Bayat stressed the importance of taking the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner.

“When you go to take your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be given an appointment for the second dose. It is very important to take your second dose on time to maximize your benefit from this vaccine,” Dr Al Bayat said.

In case you’re exposed to someone with COVID-19 between the two doses, there are chances you may get infected, the senior health official highlighted.

Important tips and advice when taking the COVID-19 vaccine

1- If you had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the date for taking the second dose should be delayed for 14 days from the date of contact. pic.twitter.com/itrMkgQBbW

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) January 24, 2021

“So it’s very important in that case to delay taking the second dose by 14 days from the date of exposure and after 14 days to take a test to make sure you are not infected,” she said.

After being certain that you are negative, you can go ahead and take the second shot of the vaccine, she added.

“You will benefit from the vaccine and develop immunity one to two weeks after your second dose,” Dr Al Bayat said.

She urged the public to take the vaccine not just to protect themselves but also the wider community.

Qatar launched the first phase of its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign a month ago. The phase will continue until January 31, 2021.

During this phase, three priority groups are eligible for vaccinations. These include: 1. People aged 60 years and above. 2. People with severe chronic conditions. 3. Healthcare workers with repeated exposure to COVID-19.

As it continues rolling out the first phase of its nationwide COVID-19 campaign, MoPH has introduced a new service for the public to sign-up for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The service enables you to register with the Ministry “your interest to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and if you are in one of the first priority groups, enable you to request an appointment to take the vaccine.”

“Even if you are not in one of the listed priority groups, your interest to take the vaccine will be recorded and saved by the MOPH, and you will be contacted when you are eligible,” MoPH had said earlier.

Here's how you can register for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

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Source: MoPH