The National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has approved the booster vaccination for those aged 60 and above and the immunocompromised who have been fully vaccinated for six months with the Pfizer-BioNTech and  AstraZeneca (Covishield).
 
Those who qualify for the booster dose can choose to take the Pfizer-Biontech vaccination or take the same type of vaccination that they took for their first and second doses as a booster dose.
 
The recommendation has been made in response to a decision issued by the Government Executive Committee following a lengthy study that confirms that the booster shots maximise individuals immunity against COVID-19, which in return lowers the risk of complications from severe illness and death.
 
The Taskforce stated that starting from October 1, 2021, the vaccination status of individuals eligible for a booster shot will change on the BeAware Bahrain application from the Green Shield to the Yellow Shield until they opt to receive a booster shot.
 
The opening of registration for the booster dose will be announced in due course, at which time eligible individuals will be able to arrange an appointment through healthalert.gov.bh or the BeAware Bahrain application.
 
Vaccination protocols have evolved to maximize protection against the virus; however, precautionary measures must be maintained.