Booster dose key to beat Omicron: Bahrain health official

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Taking booster doses are necessary to protect ourselves and society from the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, said a top Ministry of Health official.

“We urge everyone to rush to vaccination centres and get their full doses and booster doses, for we are facing a great challenge to overcome the pandemic and preserve what we have achieved,” Dr Waleed AlManea, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, said.

He also confirmed there is no need to wait for an appointment to get a booster dose. “All those eligible should directly walk into their health centres to get their jabs.” Health Centres had earlier announced doing away with the appointments system for the booster jabs.

“This also indicates the progress achieved by the national vaccination campaign in achieving communal immunity,” said Dr Al Manea.

Bahrain’s move also comes amid warnings that the new Omicron variant is spreading across world nations at a remarkable speed. The variant, now reported in 77 countries, is spreading faster than any other strain, the World Health Organisation has said.

“Studies had confirmed the necessity of taking the booster dose as one of the most important ways to protect people from the risk of infection,” said Dr Al-Manea. He said the Kingdom is closely watching global development, especially with the new Omicron variant.

The National Taskforce for combating the COVID-19 pandemic is working round the clock to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, said Dr Al Manea, while stressing the need for adhering strictly to COVID-19 protocols. “Everyone should adhere strictly to the instructions issued by the National Taskforce,” he stressed.