COVID-19: Saudi Arabia vaccinates 50% of population
Health ministry stresses importance of second dose in battle against mutations
Abu Dhabi: Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry said 50 per cent of the population had been immunised with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, stressing the need to take the second jab to give greater immunity, and to protect against coronavirus mutations.
The ministry announced the resumption of inoculating people of all age groups with the second dose of the vaccine, according to the national plan.
Those seeking to take the second jab should book an appointment through Sehaty (My Health) application, the ministry said.
Saudi Arabia recorded 1,244 COVID-19 new infections, bringing the tally to 502,439, while active cases decreased slightly to 10,510, including 1,434 critical and in intensive care units.
The ministry said 1,523 cases recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 483,937, while the deaths rose by 16 to 7,992.
It warned against complacency in applying precautionary measures, and stressed the the importance of adhering to preventive measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing, sterilising hands and not shaking hands, to limit the spread of the coronavirus.