First shipment of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine​​ arrives in Qatar

First shipment of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine​​ arrives in Qatar

QLNews
By QLNews

Qatar has been working above and beyond to protect the health of its citizens and residents amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

With strict preventive and precautionary measures in place, supported by the use of smart technologies, in addition to setting up dedicated facilities for COVID-19 testing and management, the country has been giving its all to curb the spread of the illness.

Earlier in October, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) confirmed that it had been in talks with several pharmaceutical companies to secure a safe and reliable COVID-19 vaccine.

MoPH announced that it had signed agreements with two companies to procure their COVID-19 vaccine, namely Pfizer-BioNTech and US-based Moderna, a Massachusetts-based biotech company.

Yesterday, the Ministry issued a statement approving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for emergency use in Qatar.

The statement further highlighted that the vaccine had been approved by the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control in MOPH after a thorough review of the vaccine and results of clinical studies on a wide range of volunteers.

Their review showed that the vaccine is safe and effective in accordance with international standards.

Last night, the first shipment of this vaccine reached Qatar. MoPH shared the update on its official Twitter page.

Earlier, in a press conference yesterday, senior officials from the Ministry confirmed that Qatar will begin its COVID-19 vaccination campaign from Wednesday, December 23.

The first phase of vaccination will run from December 23, 2020, to January 31, 2021.

During the first phase, priority will be given to people over 70 years old, adults in chronic care, and home care facilities, healthcare personnel most at risk of infection, and people over 16 years of age with severe chronic diseases.

The vaccines will be available at seven primary health centers for those who meet the initial priority criteria; Al Wajba Health Center, Leabaib Health Center, Al Ruwais Health Center, Umm Salal Health Center, Rawdat Al Khail Health Center, Al Thumama Health Center, Muaither Health Center.

The Ministry also launched a microsite for the COVID-19 vaccine yesterday, which comprises answers to some commonly asked questions regarding the vaccine.

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Cover Image Credit: Twitter/@MOPHQatar
By Molten Metal• 22 Dec 2020 09:56
Molten Metal

We welcome it ...................

By Molten Metal• 22 Dec 2020 09:56
Molten Metal

We welcome it ...................

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