The Infectious Disease Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and Member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Lt. Col. Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, has highlighted the Kingdom’s continued success in mitigating COVID-19, adding that Bahrain is a world-leader in vaccination efforts, with 70% of the eligible population having received at least one dose of a vaccine, free of charge.
Dr. Manaf noted that all the vaccinations approved by the Kingdom of Bahrain have proven effective against the virus and its mutations by enhancing immunity and reducing the severity of symptoms in the event of viral infection. Dr. Manaf added that the WHO’s approval of the ‘Sinopharm’ vaccine for emergency use further confirms its safety and effectiveness. This position is in line with the recommendation of the Kingdom’s National Health Regulatory Authority and the Vaccination Committee at the Ministry of Health, which authorised the emergency use of the ‘Sinopharm’ vaccine based on the results of the third phase of clinical trials, which found the vaccine to be 86% effective.
Dr. Manaf emphasised that the WHO recommended administering two doses of the ‘Sinopharm’ vaccine for individuals aged 18 years and above, guidelines mirrored by the NHRA.
Dr. Manaf concluded by reiterating the Kingdom’s continued efforts to address the challenge of COVID-19, adding that a booster shot will soon be made available to individuals, with the aim of strengthening herd immunity and ultimately eradicating the virus.
Source: Bahrain News Agency