Covid-cured not on priority list for vaccination: official
Those who have recovered from Covid-19 are not given priority in the vaccination against the pandemic, Dr Muna al-Maslamani, medical director of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, told Qatar TV yesterday.
“This is based on the fact that studies indicate they acquire immunity that could last for some time against the virus and considering the limited supply of the vaccines,” she explained.
However, she stressed that people need to strictly abide by the preventive and precautionary measures until herd immunity is achieved in the society. Dr al-Maslamani also highlighted the safety of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines and the similarities between them.
Dr Ahmed al-Mohamed, acting medical director of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, also told Qatar TV yesterday that cases of Covid-19 infection has recently gone up, with an increase in those which require hospitalisation and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment.
“There are currently 50 patients in the ICU and other sections. There are plenty of beds available, including ICU beds with an easier possibility for timely expansion just in case.
“Currently, as many as 1,200 beds are dedicated for Covid-19 patients, including 200 ICU beds, of which only 50 are occupied now. Further, there are around 100-190 ICU beds kept as reserve.
“In the recent weeks 9-15 cases are being admitted daily to the ICU while the majority of cases require simple treatment and quarantine only. People should seek medical care as soon as they feel any symptoms, especially the elderly, and do not wait until their condition deteriorates, requiring more treatment.”
Dr al-Mohamed reiterated that the quarantine exemptions for those who took two doses of the vaccine applies only for those vaccinated in Qatar to guarantee the safety, authenticity and security of the process.
He also advised people to be reasonable and accept the outcome of science regarding the safety of Covid-19 vaccines as millions around the world have already taken it with no negative or severe side effects.
“Some studies show that one dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provide more than 70% protection, but two doses are given to ensure full protection,” Dr al-Mohamed added.