* Say yes to booster, no to unfounded rumours: MoPH

People should avoid listening to rumours and false information regarding the booster dose against the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Dr Hamad Eid al-Rumaihi, Director of the Department of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has said.
He stressed that the booster dose is safe and its side effects are not different from the previous two doses, which are often mild and simple that rarely goes beyond the topical pain of the shot and in some cases slight rise in body temperature.
He further stressed that people should only take their information from the authoritative sources and the MoPH makes every effort to provide the best international vaccines that have been proven effective globally.
"Further, MoPH is keen to maintain the health and wellbeing of all the individuals in the society as it thoroughly investigates the authentic and documented scientific studies in this regard. Accordingly, scientific evidence currently indicates that the acquired immunity against Covid-19, after taking the two first doses, decreases gradually for most people and they need a third booster dose after the passage of six months from taking the second dose to enhance their immunity," he told local Arabic daily Arrayah.
He said as there has been a rise in the number of infections reported in Qatar recently and some cases with the Omicron variant have been spotted, it is very important for the members of the society to take the third (booster) dose, as it has been proven effective against severe illness, even with the new variant. "They should not delay this as clinical data has shown its importance."
According to Dr al-Rumaihi, no deaths or serious side effects have been reported due to taking Covid-19 vaccines in Qatar.
He said that the National Vaccination Programme has managed to inoculate 86% of the residents of the country with two doses so far. "This has reflected positively on the pandemic situation in the country compared to other countries. Studies have proven that the vaccine provides up to 75% immunity against the new variant Omicron."
With Covid-19 still a threat to public health in Qatar, it is important for all to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures: Adherence to physical distancing; Avoiding close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where people congregate; Wearing a face mask; Washing hands regularly; People should take the vaccine at the earliest opportunity when their turn comes; Anyone suffering from Covid-19 symptoms should contact 16000 helpline immediately; Visit the MoPH website for regular updates and new information.
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