Dr Lt Col Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Disease Consultant and Microbiologist at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital and member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), stressed the importance of vaccinating children aged 3 - 11, especially given the high number of cases among this age group globally.

Dr Al Qahtani highlighted that vaccinations strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of antibodies needed to provide the necessary protection against COVID-19.

Dr Al Qahtani noted that studies and scientific research have proven the safety of vaccinations and their effectiveness in increasing the efficiency of the immune system, as well as their effectiveness in reducing complications of the virus that may lead to receiving treatment in hospital or intensive care.

Dr Al Qahtani emphasised the importance of vaccines in preserving public health. 

Dr Manaf highlighted that studies have demonstrated the role of vaccinations in reducing symptoms of the virus that may persist in some cases after recovery.

Dr Al Qahtani added that increasing one's immunity by taking a vaccine is safer than increasing one's immunity from infection, as the virus can lead to unwanted and long-lasting health complications. 

Dr Al Qahtani noted that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccinations for this age group to reduce the number of complications or mortalities.

Dr Al Qahtani concluded by reiterating the importance for parents to ensure that their children receive the COVID-19 vaccine to provide the necessary protection for their safety, by heading directly to the health centres that were previously announced by the Ministry of Health, without the need to make an appointment.

The Ministry of Health has provided the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for ages 3 - 11 in the previously announced health centers, which can be found on the Ministry of Health's website on: https://healthalert.gov.bh

The Ministry of Health has also announced the provision of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination for those aged 5 to 11 at the Vaccination Center in Sitra Mall, and at the following health centers:

- Jidhafs Health Center

- NBB Health Center - Dair

- Hamad Town Health Center

- Isa Town Health Center

- Al-Hoora Health Center

- Ahmed Ali Kanoo Health Center