Al-Raya, The Peninsula: Health, Safety is Priority for State of Qatar

Doha, December 22 (QNA) - Qatari newspapers Al-Raya and The Peninsula highlighted in their editorials on Tuesday the Ministry of Public Health's announcement of its commitment to implementing the largest vaccination campaign in the country during the rest of this month and next year by providing enough vaccines for all the targeted age groups. The newspapers noted the precautionary measures taken by the State to combat the pandemic, as Qatar has overcome difficult times, especially the peak stage, and succeeded in flattening the curve, while maintaining one of the lowest Coronavirus death rates in the world. In this regard, Al-Raya noted the reassuring news when the Ministry of Public Health announced the arrival of the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shipment to the State of Qatar to be available on Wednesday in seven primary health centres, namely Al Wajba, Al-Ruwais, Umm Slal, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither, Al Thumama and Leabaib. The State of Qatar was one of the first countries in the world to receive this type of vaccination which will contribute to the gradual return of life. The vaccine is considered safe and all the tests have been applied to it, the paper said, adding that it gives a protection rate of 95%, and most of the side effects of the vaccination are usually mild and moderate. Priority will be given to people over 70 years of age, people with multiple chronic conditions and key healthcare staff working in close contact with COVID-19 patients, the paper said. The State of Qatar on Wednesday will carry out its largest-ever vaccination programme against the COVID-19 pandemic, the paper said, adding that in 2021, there will be enough vaccines to vaccinate everyone in the State of Qatar. The paper pointed out that the State of Qatar, since the beginning of the outbreak of the pandemic, immediately took many successful precautionary measures that had a great impact in keeping matters. In conclusion, Al-Raya emphasised that there is a need to make a balance between the protection of public health and the return of normal life, pointing out that although the pandemic is still spreading sharply worldwide, epidemiological situation in the State of Qatar is still stable. The Peninsula newspaper noted how the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) approved its first Covid-19 vaccine, clearing the way for emergency use of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE shots, pointing out that the vaccine will be distributed to everyone according to the health standards set by the Ministry of Public Health, and it will be provided to citizens and residents free of charge. The newspaper said that the Ministry of Public Health signed agreements with Pfizer and BioNTech to procure their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are approved and released for global use, adding that the vaccine was approved after the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control in MoPH conducted a thorough review of the vaccine and the results of clinical studies conducted on a wide range of volunteers. The newspaper highlighted the statements of the Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, who said, "the comprehensive clinical trial process undertaken on Pfizer and BioNTechs vaccine has showed it is safe and 95 percent effective. Starting this month and continuing throughout 2021 we will undertake the biggest vaccine program ever delivered in Qatar." It explained that the vaccines will be prioritized for three key population groups: older people, people with certain chronic conditions and key healthcare workers, especially doctors, nurses and paramedics working directly with COVID-19 patients. It pointed out that from Wednesday, the COVID-19 vaccines will be available at seven primary health centers for people who meet the initial priority criteria. The Peninsula concluded its editorial by emphasising that Qatar has recorded one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world due to the comprehensive measures put in place by the government, stressing that the approval of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is the best hope of ending this pandemic and of life returning to normal. (QNA)