The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) on its website on 9 January 2022 has announced that it has approved the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccines for children aged 12 to 15 years.

The decision is in line with the recent studies that demonstrate the safety and efficacy of booster doses using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in this age group.

The Ministry stated that this is a very important step forward as the booster dose will significantly increase their levels of immunity against all COVID-19 variants including Omicron.

Since the Ministry’s approval in May 2021 of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 12 to 15 years, nine of out ten children in Qatar have received two doses of the vaccine. The vaccines have proved safe and effective for this age group, with only minor side effects reported.

Children aged 12 to 15 years who received their second dose more than six months ago are eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccine. Recently, the Ministry approved giving booster doses to children aged 16 and 17 years. With the number of new COVID-19 daily cases continuing to rise in Qatar, the Ministry urged parents to support their children in getting their booster dose when they become eligible.

Booster vaccines for children aged 12 to 15 years are available at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centers. Parents of eligible children can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 to schedule an appointment for their child. Health centers also accept walk-in appointments for this age group.

Source: MOPH
Cover image source: Shutterstock

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Vrinda Abilash

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