Omicron Cases Propel Demand for Booster Doses

The Omicron variant is on the rise and Qatar has geared itself to deal with the rising influx of cases within the State. The demand for the booster dose is also on the rise as it is a necessary precaution against further infections. The government has designated many medical facilities to prepare for the surge in cases and potential hospitalizations.

Dr. Hamad Al Rumaihi, Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Control Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said, “Many medical facilities have been designated to take care of COVID-19 patients, including the Communicable Disease Centre, the Field Hospital under Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital and the Cuban Hospital.”

The Omicron variant has spread to nearly 107 countries and getting the third booster dose reduces the risk of contracting the virus. Dr. Rumaihi said that 86 percent of the population has been vaccinated and more than five million doses have been administered.

Since September 15, more than 247,000 people have received booster shots. According to the Ministry of Public Health, there is clear evidence that points out the decline of protective immunity after six months of taking the second vaccine dose. This makes it even more important to get a booster dose to safeguard the health of the public.

Another recent announcement by the Ministry states that individuals whose last dose was more than 9 months ago on February 1, 2022, will be considered unvaccinated. They will lose their gold frame status on Ehteraz. This change is effective from February 1, 2022.

All these factors have contributed to the surge in demand for booster doses in Qatar. The booster vaccines are available at all Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs).

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Source: Peninsula