Hundreds of elderly people have received the Covid-19 vaccine in Qatar, as the first phase of the free vaccination campaign continues at a rapid pace.
A number of community dignitaries who are prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine were among the first group of people to receive the vaccine on the first days of the campaign, rolled out on Wednesday.
Prominent Qatari entrepreneur HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, who was among the first group of people to take the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine, has urged the community to take the Covid-19 vaccine, according to a report on the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) website.
HE Ali bin Saeed al-Khayarin receives the vaccination
Sherida bin Saad al Kaabi gets vaccinated
Other prominent citizens who has taken the vaccine include former minister, HE Ali bin Saeed al-Khayarin, and former diplomat, Sherida bin Saad al-Kaabi.
“Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available – this includes a vaccine. The comprehensive clinical trial process undertaken on the Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine has demonstrated that it is safe and 95% effective,” said Sheikh Faisal. “I have full confidence in this vaccine which is why I am taking it as early as possible.”
Sheikh Faisal said the arrival of the vaccine and its roll-out was important step to returning to normal daily life as well as protecting our loved ones.
“Vaccines are our best hope of ending this pandemic,” he said. “It is important that we take strong steps so that we can protect ourselves and our families against Covid-19 and this includes taking the vaccine when it is available to us.”
Director of the Public Health Department at the MoPH, Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani commended Sheikh Faisal for being among the first to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
“The arrival and widespread uptake of the Covid-19 vaccines here in Qatar will enable us to start the process of returning to our normal lives,” said Sheikh Mohamed. “I commend Sheikh Faisal for demonstrating his commitment and taking the vaccine and I encourage all members of the community to do the same.”
Sheikh Mohamed said as the vaccine is rolled out to the community, everyone must also continue to take preventative measures against Covid-19.
“I also urge all members of the community to continue to practise physical distancing and wearing a mask,” he added.
Qatar is one of the first countries in the world to provide a safe, effective and approved Covid-19 vaccine totally free for its population. Several hundred people were vaccinated against Covid-19 on the first day of the largest national vaccination programme in the history of Qatar.
“I would like to thank the wise leadership of our country and all healthcare officials for their efforts to provide Covid-19 vaccines to all citizens and residents in Qatar,” al-Khayarin said following his vaccination. “Trusting in God almighty and in the efforts being made by the health sector officials to protect our beloved country from this pandemic, I was keen to get vaccinated and fulfil my role in protecting my health and that of the community. Qatar has spared no effort to provide the best Covid-19 vaccines to its population and I’m confident this campaign will be a success and will serve the best interest of our community.”
Al-Kaabi expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the wise leadership of the country for providing the vaccine to all citizens and residents and to the Ministry of Public Health for its efforts to fight the spread of Covid-19. “I encourage all citizens and residents to get vaccinated as this can help protect the person who receives the vaccine, those around him, and the wider community from the virus. I would like to thank all healthcare workers for their efforts and dedication and wish everyone safety and health during this challenging time,” added, al-Kaabi.
