Health officials continue to stress importance of COVID-19 booster dose
Senior health officials in Qatar have once again reminded citizens and residents about the importance of the COVID-19 booster dose.
In a series of tweets on the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) Twitter page, the officials have shared messages about how the booster dose enhances immunity, urging the public to get it at the earliest possible.
Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology Executive Director of Quality & Safety at Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Dr Huda Al Saleh said, “Evidence-based data show that the protective immunity obtained from the first two doses of COVID-19 vaccine gradually declines six months after the second dose.”
"For this reason, all women of child bearing age, including pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant, are encouraged to receive the booster dose once they are eligible, in order to improve their immunity and ensure continuous protection against the virus for themselves and their unborn babies,” she added.
While vaccination against COVID-19 is important for all eligible people, it is highly recommended for pregnant women because the WHO guidance states they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 compared with women of childbearing age who are not pregnant, she explained.
Senior consultant cardiologist, Heart Hospital, Dr Omar Al Tamimi said that people with heart disease and all cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
“For this reason, it is especially important that people with these conditions are fully vaccinated, including the booster vaccine dose. The vaccines are safe and there are no specific concerns for heart disease patients. The vaccines can also be safely administered to people on blood thinning medications,” he said.
He encouraged all patients with cardiovascular diseases to ensure they get their booster vaccine dose when they reach six months following their second dose.
Senior consultant and head of Hamad Medical Corporation's Nephrology Department, Dr Hassan Al Malki pointed out that people living with kidney disease are at greater risk of Covid-19 related complications, including serious kidney injury, hospitalization and even death.
د. حسن المالكي
— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) December 9, 2021
استشاري أول ورئيس قسم أمراض الكلى
بمؤسسة حمد الطبية
Dr. Hassan Al Malik
Senior Consultant and head of HMC’s Nephrology Department pic.twitter.com/18uBVTTfIo
"The COVID-19 vaccines are suitable for people with kidney disease, whether you have had a transplant, are on dialysis or have another kidney condition. We stress that it is important that patients with these conditions get their booster vaccine as soon as possible, once six months have passed since the second dose. Getting the COVID-19 booster will keep you and your family healthy and safe,” he said.
National Health Strategy 2018-2022 Lead for Health Ageing, Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, urged all older citizens in Qatar to protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19 by being fully vaccinated.
“If you received your second dose more than six months ago, you are eligible for a booster vaccine to benefit from its protection. Immunity from vaccines begins to decline six months after the second dose, placing you at increased risk of serious infection and hospitalization,” she highlighted.
“We have made it easy for you to get vaccinated, you can call PHCC today on 4027 7077 to book your appointment or call HMC's Home Healthcare Service or the Elderly Urgent Care Unit in Rumailah Hospital,” she added.
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