Muscat: Oman today started administering the second dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to those who had taken the first shot in the first phase.
Among the first to take the second shot was Oman’s endearing Health Minister, Dr Ahmed Al Saeedi, who with his consistent messaging and updates has become a household figure with all residents and citizens alike.
Oman started the inoculation with the target vulnerable group in the first week of this month that was identified among the general community as those over 65 years of age and with diabetes as well as those with chronic lung disease or suffering from kidney failure.
Healthcare workers
Among the healthcare workers, the target group comprises of those working in the ICU, staff working in COVID wards, and those medical staff who have diabetes, chronic lung disease, those requiring dialysis as well as those whose BMI is more than or equal to 40.
As of January 17 2021, 93 per cent of the target group had been vaccinated with the first shot with close to 25,000 people having taken the vaccine.
Strict measures are still in place in Oman such social distancing and wearing face masks, as well as social gatherings. Restaurants and public places follow demarcated social distancing with violators handed over fines and other penalties.
