In conversation with Qatar TV, Dr. Sofia Bayat affirms that unvaccinated people and children are at a high risk of contracting serious infections from the virus in the coming weeks. Dr. Bayat is the Head of Vaccination at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). 

She stated that Qatar is currently witnessing the beginning of the third wave of Covid-19 in the country. The MoPH recorded a spike of 998 cases on January 2. The Ministry has urged the community to take the booster dose vaccine and reduce their risk to the new Omicron variant of Covid-19. The new strain has been touted to have a higher rate of transmission, where a single infected person could infect up to six more people. 

It is observed that most of the cases referred to the hospitals are among those who haven’t been vaccinated or have received their last dose more than six months ago. Not taking the booster vaccine has definitely lowered the protective shield of immunity and made the public prone to the new variant. 

Dr. Bayat further clarified that taking the Covid-19 vaccinations’ first, second, or booster dose did not result in any side effects leading to death or intensive hospitalizations. 

She also observed that the trend of infections rose significantly among two groups: unvaccinated adults including children and those who took their last vaccine more than six months ago. 

Those who need to test themselves or exhibit mild symptoms can opt for the rapid antigen test, available at all health centers. Dr. Bayat says that these tests have proven to be 80% accurate. Patients with mild symptoms are advised to self-isolate in a separate room for five days, after which they can wear a mask to move within the house for another five days. The patients must practice social distancing for five more days before finally leaving the house.  

Those facing moderate symptoms can call 16000 for further assistance. In case of critical emergencies, patients must call HMC’s 999 service for immediate medical attention. 

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Cover image credit: The Peninsula

Source: Gulf Times