* Overcrowding, no social distancing not acceptable, says ministry
* MoPH working closely with relevant authorities to ensure safe and efficient vaccine programme




The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has stressed that the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine is given only to people who have received invitations to get inoculated and who have met the criteria set forth in the framework of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.
The ministry said in a statement Tuesday that it was “aware of a serious overcrowding incident” at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) owing to a significant number of people arriving at the same time for vaccination without an appointment. “The high turnout temporarily resulted in a situation where social distancing was not being followed: this is not acceptable,” the MoPH stressed.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that we operate a safe and efficient vaccine programme and that social distancing measures are strictly followed at all times,” the ministry said.
“We would like to remind everyone that appointments at the QNCC are by invite only. You will only be allowed to enter the vaccine centre following a verification process. Walk-ins will not be accepted,” it added.
A video went viral on social media earlier Tuesday , showing a massive crowd and no social distancing outside the QNCC vaccination centre.
The MoPH called on the public to register their interest in getting vaccinated through the relevant section on the MoPH website (https://app-covid19.moph.gov.qa/en/instructions.html).
This will be recorded and saved in order to communicate with such individuals when they meet the vaccination eligibility criteria.
The ministry affirmed that the process of getting vaccination appointments remains unchanged, as Primary Health Care Corporation teams communicate directly with people who meet the criteria for getting the vaccine via SMS or phone calls to book appointments for them.
Priority in appointments will be given to people who meet the criteria to receive the vaccine and who have already registered their interest to receive the vaccine through the online registration system on the MoPH website, according to the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.
A related advisory posted on social media also reiterated that walk-ins will not be accepted at the QNCC. “This is an invite-only vaccination centre. All attendees must show (the invitation) SMS upon arrival,” it added. — QNA