MEDICS have warned the public not to ‘get carried away by a false sense of security’ as Covid-19 infections drop in Bahrain.
Although the numbers bode well for the country’s overall pandemic situation, the public cannot afford to let their guard down yet, they said.
Citizens and residents have also been urged to register for booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccine, with national studies proving the efficacy of the dose – which is an extra layer of protection against the virus.
Senior members of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (Covid-19) were speaking at a Press conference held remotely from the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research, Riffa, yesterday.
“The pathways to deal with the virus is progressing and will continue according to plans, until we reach the desired goals,” said Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea.
“With life returning to normality gradually, we urge all to comply with precautionary measures.
“To ensure the protection of society from the consequences of the infection, we also call on all those eligible to register for the booster dose.”
Dr Al Manea explained the new system on BeAware App – the green shield turning yellow for those eligible for a booster – which came into effect on Sunday.
“Do not get carried away by a false sense of security, instead remain committed towards achieving the desired goals so that we recover completely from the virus,” he added.
Task force monitoring committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani dispelled ‘misinformation’ on booster doses, reiterating that the decision had been taken after thorough studies.
The GDN reported yesterday that more than 50 per cent of citizens and residents infected with Covid-19 during the last three months had not taken a booster dose.
“From July 1 to October 1, 2021, of those who were exposed to the virus, 52pc had not taken the booster jab,” said Lt Col Dr Al Qahtani.
“Only 3pc had received it, which indicates the importance of the booster in raising body’s immune response.”
A booster dose, according to experts, helps in developing antibodies by acting on a small pool of long-lasting ‘memory’ B and T cells that remain after the initial effect of the vaccine wanes. Those eligible for booster can register via healthalert.gov.bh, or BeAware.
Booster dose in Bahrain is made available for those aged 18 and above who have completed six months after taking the second dose of Pfizer-BioNtech, Covishield-AstraZeneca or Sputnik V vaccinations. They can opt for Pfizer or the vaccine they took for their first and second dose.
The shots are also available for adults aged 40 years and above and those under 40 who suffer from obesity, immunodeficiency diseases or chronic diseases.
Those who chose Sinopharm can opt for the same booster a month after the second dose or register for a third jab of Pfizer.
Meanwhile, senior task force member and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases consultant Dr Jameela Al Salman urged parents to take the initiative to register their children for a Covid-19 vaccine, citing the success of the drive amongst children.
“We thank those who have already taken the initiative to register, realising the important role of vaccination in preserving the health of our children and giving them immunity and protection.”
The national vaccination campaign was launched on December 17 last year.
A total of 1,124,459 people have been double-jabbed until Tuesday.
This accounts for 75pc of the total population of 1.5 million. A total of 1,166,725 people (77.7pc) have taken at least one dose of a vaccine.
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