The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has reaffirmed the importance of vaccination in being critical in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This is even more crucial with emerging strains of the virus. On Tuesday, the Ministry said it is continuing all efforts to ensure vaccination in all segments of the society. This will help boost their immunity and prevent chances of further infections.

The ministry along with local health authorities has offered vaccination in hundreds of centres across the country. Home services too would be offered to vaccinate people with medical conditions that prevent them from travelling to vaccination centres. A list of categories is released that are exempted from taking the vaccine to ensure the safety of all who have received the vaccine.

The ministry has identified seven categories:

· namely active cases infected with COVID-19

· volunteers in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials

· pregnant women

· people vaccinated outside the country

· people who have previously contracted COVID-19 following a medical assessment

· people who have severe allergies to vaccines or vaccine ingredients

· people with diseases proven to interact negatively with the vaccine.

The ministry underlined that these categories must present an exemption certificate that is issued by accredited health centres, clinics and hospitals. An attending physician will then assess and submit a medical report to relevant health authorities for approval. The applicant will then be informed via SMS on whether their application is approved or not. The exemptions will thereafter appear on the Al Hosn app. 

The ministry has urged all eligible citizens and residents to get vaccinated against Covid-19, to help curb the coronavirus spread.

 WAM