Saudis to administer booster dose to vulnerable groups

People with kidney failure, transplants and those over 60 will be covered

Saudi Arabia will administer a third booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to patients with kidney failure, organ transplants and people over 60, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Dr Mohammad Al Abdali said.

He added that arrangements were being made to give a booster dose to the elderly, eight months after receiving the second dose.

The kingdom has administered 41.5 million vaccine doses, with over 18.3 million people getting both doses.

Saudi Arabia has also conducted more than 28.55 million PCR tests with a capacity to conduct 130,000 tests per day, with 90 per cent of results issued in less than 18 hours.

Oman mulls booster dose

Oman is also considering a booster dose for certain categories of immunocompromised people. The Ministry of Health informed that the target group will be announced soon.

Oman’s cases have shown a steady decline, with the two major hospitals in Oman discharging the last of Covid-19 patients.

Precautionary measures are still in place across Oman, including social distancing and wearing masks at all times in public places.

Oman has also restricted entry into offices, airports and all commercial establishments for only vaccinated people.