Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has said that the country’s effective travel and return policy means there are robust measures in place to reduce the risk of Omicron entering Qatar.
At the end of November, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated a new coronavirus strain, Omicron, detected in South Africa as a ‘variant of concern’.
The Ministry, in a statement, said that the variant has a high number of mutations and since first being detected it has spread to more than 60 countries around the world. While further data is needed to be conclusive, evidence so far indicates that Omicron spreads faster than other variants, including the Delta variant, so it is vitally important that people follow all preventive measures, the Ministry said.
Regarding current progress of the booster vaccination campaign, MoPH said that the roll out of the booster doses is progressing at a good pace and more than 200,000 people have now received their booster vaccine. “Anyone who had their second vaccine dose more than 6 months ago is eligible for the booster vaccine.”
The Ministry reassured people that the booster dose is safe and effective, and it is very important that people have high levels of protection against the virus. Recent increase in cases in Qatar and the new Omicron variant both reinforce the need for people to have maximum protection from the virus through vaccination.
Booster vaccines are available at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centers and PHCC is directly contacting people who are eligible for the booster vaccine dose to set an appointment. The Ministry further said that the most recent evidence shows that the booster dose is effective against the Omicron variant.
“One study found the booster vaccines offered around 75% protection against symptomatic infection. Every dose of the vaccine triggers antibodies within the immune system and provides a greater level of protection.”
According to MoPH, there is now clear clinical evidence showing that for most people the protective immunity obtained from the first two doses of the vaccine gradually begins to decline after six months. “Multiple local and international research studies highlight that people’s protection against severe infection reduces after this six-month period. The scientific clinical evidence sends a clear message to people that they should not delay getting their booster vaccine when they become eligible at the six-month mark as they become less protected as time goes on.”
The Ministry said that following the administration of more than 200,000 booster vaccine doses in Qatar, only a limited number of people have reported modest side effects including low-grade fever, mild headache, fatigue and soreness at the injection site, which is commonly seen with other vaccines.
Despite recent rumors on social media that have unfortunately caused people to become worried about the vaccines, the Ministry said, there have been no deaths or severe adverse reactions related to the booster dose in Qatar.
