Strictly adhere to Covid-19 precautionary measures, get vaccinated and booster shot: Dr Al Manea

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Despite the gradual return to normal life, the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) is still far from over. Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea warned the public against falling into a false sense of security by neglecting precautionary measures and not receiving a vaccination or a booster shot.

National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) member called on eligible individuals to get vaccinated and a booster shot to achieve optimum immunity against the virus.

Since 4 October, the vaccination status of individuals eligible for a booster shot has been changed on the BeAware application from the Green Shield to the Yellow Shield until they opt to receive a booster shot.

Eligible individuals can register for a vaccine or a booster shot through the BeAware application or by visiting the website www.healthalert.gov.bh.

Booster shots increase immunity

Lt. Col. Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Disease Consultant and Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital, revealed that based on statistics from 1 July to 1 October 2021, out of those who were infected with COVID-19, 52% did not take a booster shot and only 3% received it.

It is therefore clear that booster shots increase immunity, said Dr Al Qahtani, also a taskforce member. Shots have been approved for those who are 18 years of age and above, who have received a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca (Covishield), or Sputnik V vaccine at least six months ago.

Eligible individuals can opt for the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine or the same vaccine they have received for their first and second doses, as a booster shot.

Additionally, those aged 18 to 39, who have taken the second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, can now take a booster shot after three months, instead of the initial recommendation of six months.

Those who are 40 years or older as well as adults under 40 who suffer from obesity, immunodeficiency or chronic diseases who received the Sinopharm vaccine, can take a booster shot one month after their second dose.

They can also opt for the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine or the same vaccine they have received for their first and second doses, as a booster shot.

Dr Al Qahtani also called on those who have recovered from COVID-19 and have received their first shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, to take their second shot by visiting the same vaccination centre without having to book an appointment. This follows the announced changes to the vaccination protocols for eligible individuals.