Walk-in Covid-19 jabs for elderly

CITIZENS and residents aged above 70 years can walk in for a coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination without prior registration, it has been announced.

People with chronic conditions and pregnant and breastfeeding women have also been urged to inoculate.

Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea reminded the public that vaccination can bring about herd immunity, which is the only way to tackle the pandemic.

“We have received 300,000 doses of Sinopharm and have intensified the national vaccination campaign,” Dr Al Manea said.

“Bahrain is in touch with all companies that manufacture vaccines approved by the National Health Regulatory Authority, and in accordance with the arrival of shipments, shots will be provided to citizens and residents.

“Vaccination will continue according to the schedule, following the registration on BeAware app.”

Dr Al Manea highlighted dangers posed by mutated virus strains and called on the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and patients with chronic diseases to vaccinate and thus protect themselves and society.

“The elderly, aged 70 and above, can go immediately to (health) centres to take the vaccine without registration.

“Those with chronic conditions should also take the initiative, especially diabetics, those suffering from rheumatism, cancer or obesity – because deaths are on the rise in countries with high obesity numbers.”

Dr Al Manea was speaking at an online Press conference from the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research.

He urged the public to adhere strictly to safety guidelines, as Bahrain eased Covid-19 restrictions on some sectors.

The GDN reported yesterday that educational institutions are open, with parents given the option to choose between physical attendance or remote learning for children, while indoor dining will be allowed at restaurants and cafes limited to not more than 30 people alongside outdoor services.

Gyms, pools and indoor sporting facilities are also open, while gatherings of more than 30 people are still prohibited in private locations and homes.

“Bahrain is intensifying efforts to preserve the health and safety of everyone and ensure a speedy return to normal life,” he said.

His views were echoed by National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (Covid-19) monitoring committee head Lt Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani and task force member and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases consultant Dr Jameela Al Salman yesterday.

“We call on pregnant and lactating women to register for the vaccination as they are among the most vulnerable groups in light of the rapid spread of the mutated virus, and studies have shown the safety of the two vaccines (Sinopharm and Pfizer/BioNtec) for this group,” said Dr Al Qahtani.

Dr Al Salman noted that the daily number of cases as a result of contact was now at its highest.

“It is important to disclose contacts of existing cases as it helps in reaching out to them quickly, which in turn will ensure treatment and speedy recovery,” she said.

“It also reduces the spread in the community, especially since some cases do not show symptoms.”

She urged obese and overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and above to inoculate as they are prone to complications in the event of a Covid-19 infection.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/939010/Walk-in-Covid-19-jabs-for-elderly