The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has approved the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children aged five to 11 years old.
The decision is in line with the recent studies that demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in this age group, as well as the clinical evidence from countries around the world that have already begun vaccinating children five to 11 years old. The vaccine is one-third of the dose used for older age groups and is associated with only mild side effects.
The ministry stated that this is a very important move to ensure children of this age are protected against COVID-19. Although children have been less at risk of severe infection than older people since the start of the pandemic, a number of children have been infected and required medical care in this current Omicron wave than in previous waves.
With the Omicron wave continuing to circulate in Qatar, the ministry urged parents to support their children in getting their COVID-19 vaccine to increase their immunity.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children is administered in two doses, with the second dose given three weeks after the first.
COVID-19 vaccines for children five to 11 years old will be available at all health centres of Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) starting this week. Parents of eligible children can call the PHCC hotline – 4027 7077 to schedule an appointment for their child. Health centres also accept walk-in appointments for this age group.
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