MANAMA: Bahrain ranks first in the GCC in Covid-19 vaccination rates, with almost 68 per cent of the population fully inoculated.
The UAE follows close behind with 65.3pc of its people receiving two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine until yesterday.
According to reports, Kuwait has vaccinated 22pc of its population, Qatar 54pc, Saudi Arabia 6pc and Oman 5pc.
Health Ministry assistant under-secretary Dr Maryam Al Hajeri said 80pc of Bahrain’s eligible population – those aged above 12 years – had been double-jabbed, which is 67.5pc of the total population of 1.5 million.
Bahrain has vaccinated 1,017,365 citizens and residents with both doses of a vaccine until last night, while 1,082,604 have taken at least one shot. A total of 80,195 people have taken booster shots as well.
Dr Al Hajeri also revealed that 39pc of children aged between 12 and 17 years can now sport the ‘green shield’ on their BeAware app, having completed two weeks after receiving the second shot.
Bahrain has made great strides in the vaccination campaign with 67.5pc of the total population receiving two shots, said Dr Al Hajeri, who is also the Health Ministry’s Immunisation Committee chairperson.
“More specifically, 84pc of those aged between 18 and 49 and 84pc of those aged above 50 have been double-jabbed,” she said.
“Thirty-nine per cent of children aged between 12 and 17 have completed two weeks after receiving their second shot.
“This reveals the high awareness of people and the demand for vaccines among different age groups, which has reduced the spread of the virus in the community.”
Bahrain is steadily moving towards its goal of achieving herd immunity, which happens when 80 to 90pc of a population is vaccinated.
Dr Al Hajeri pointed out that the kingdom is a pioneer in providing the best health services, most importantly in preventive care, citing the free Covid-19 vaccinations to all citizens and residents.
The country currently offers four vaccines – Sinopharm, Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V, while it has also approved Johnson & Johnson and Sputnik Light for emergency use.
It’s also offering booster doses of Sinopharm and Pfizer/BioNTech to eligible people.
“Vaccinations have proven effective and no complications or severe side effects have been recorded among those who received it,” she said.
The medic called on all parents to register their children for the vaccination as it will provide adequate protection to the “vulnerable group”.
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