The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in a Tweet announced the launch of a COVID-19 vaccine dedicated microsite to help keep up to date with the latest news and developments about the COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar.

The microsite also elaborates the Priority Groups, How do Vaccines Work?, FAQ's about it and also trusted information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar.

MOPH stated that since the early days of the pandemic the Ministry and key government partners have been working with several leading pharmaceutical companies around the world who are in the process of developing vaccines for COVID-19.

The Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency use by the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control in the Ministry of Public Health. Read more about it here: MOPH issues emergency use authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine

The Ministry said that, due to the comprehensive measures put in place by Qatar’s government, Qatar has recorded one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world. The approval of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, with widespread uptake throughout the population, is the best hope of ending this pandemic and of life returning to normal.

Who are under the priority groups in Qatar?

​Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19 and developing serious complications from the virus, but certain population groups are at higher risk and it is important that they receive the vaccine as soon as it is available in the country.

Initially, three key population groups have been identified:

• Older people: People over 65 years of age have a higher risk of severe illness and death.

• People with chronic conditions: People with certain long-term chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, or compromised immune systems, have an increased risk of developing severe complications as a result of COVID-19, regardless of their age.
• Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers, especially doctors, nurses and paramedics working directly with COVID-19 patients, have an increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and catching the virus and becoming sick. Moreover, healthcare workers who catch the virus can spread it to their patients.

The Ministry also stated that the trials of the vaccine have focused on safety and efficacy of the vaccine for adults and the MOPH’s Pharmacy and Drug Control Department has currently approved its use only for people aged 16 years and older. ​

People with a significant history of allergic reactions will not be given the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine. They said that anyone with an allergy should discuss this with the doctor before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccines to citizens and residents will be available for free of charge in Qatar. ​

Find the link to the microsite here: https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/Covid19-Vaccine/Pages/default.aspx

Source: MOPH
Cover image source: MOPH

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Vrinda Abilash

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