Infectious Disease Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Dr. Lt. Col. Manaf Al Qahtani, highlighted the Kingdom’s continued efforts in combating the COVID-19, adding that monitoring of epidemiological data continues to inform decision making, with the aim of safeguarding the health of all.
 
Dr. Al Qahtani noted that since January 2021, vaccinated individuals account for only 2% of COVID-19 cases from 80,000 of active cases traced. Dr. Al Qahtani further noted that vaccinations support national mitigation efforts, as they reduce transmission rates and prevent the spread of infection. 
 
Dr. Al Qahtani highlighted that the rate of transmission decreased among vaccinated individuals from all age groups by an average of 93%.  In this regard, Dr. Al Qahtani further highlighted the importance of the elderly being vaccinated, adding that the likelihood of acquiring an infection decreases by 96% for individuals who are below 50 years of age, and 90% for individuals 50 years of age and above, based on a study that took place in Bahrain. 
 
Dr. Al Qahtani emphasised that approved vaccinations, not only reduce transmission rates, but reduce the severity of symptoms for those infected, lowering mortality rates. Dr. Al Qahtani added that the percentage of unvaccinated individuals admitted to intensive is 97% of 696 cases since January, and that unvaccinated individuals accounted for 97% of 273 deaths over the same period.
 
Dr. Al Qahtani concluded by calling on everyone, especially the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with chronic diseases and obesity, to register for a vaccination in order to preserve their safety and the safety of everyone. Dr. Al Qahtani reiterated the importance of not waiting to receive a particular vaccine, but to register for the first available, as all vaccines in use have been approved by the Kingdom’s regulatory authorities, and are safe and effective.