Three more health centres have started providing the Covid-19 vaccine while over 10% of the target group in the first phase of vaccination were inoculated during the first week, a top official told Gulf Times on Monday.

"Al Khor, Qatar University and Al Waab health centres have been added to the existing seven health centres for Covid-19 vaccination," Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) managing director Dr Mariam Abdul Malik said in reply to a question.

All other health centres under PHCC will be included to provide the vaccination in the coming days, the official explained.

“The vaccination campaign is progressing very rapidly and smoothly at all the centres. With the age limit reduced to 65 to be eligible for the first phase of vaccination, more people have been included to the first phase. Within the first one week, over 10% of the target group has been vaccinated and we hope that all the others in the country will be vaccinated in the coming months,” continued Dr Abdul Malik.

The other seven designated PHCC Health Centers for Covid-19 vaccination are: Al Wajbah, Leabaib, Al Ruwais, Umm Salal, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Thumama and Muaither. The first phase of the vaccination runs until January 31.

PHCC has also launched a dedicated hotline 4027707 to enable those aged 65 and above to book, cancel or schedule pre-booked Covid-19 vaccination appointments. The dedicated line is currently available from 7am to 11pm.

“To ensure that we are further prioritising those mostly at risk of severe complications from Covid-19 we have now activated a dedicated hotline number. This dedicated number will improve accessibility for our clients and encourage uptake of the vaccine by providing further flexibility on appointment booking,” Dr Abdul Malik, added.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently announced that it has lowered the age limit for Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to those aged 65 and above from 70 years.

Vaccinations at health centres will continue to be given to people with pre-arranged appointments that fall under the priority groups of people aged 65 years of age and above; people with severe chronic conditions and healthcare workers with repeated exposure to Covid-19.

Members of the community who are eligible for the vaccine will continue to be contacted through phone/SMS by the PHCC team to invite them to attend an appointment at one of the ten designated health centres.

The vaccine will be offered more widely throughout the year. The MoPH is working with the pharmaceutical companies to ensure the next shipment of vaccines arrives in Qatar as early as possible and everyone who needs to be vaccinated will be able to do so throughout the year.