Qatar starts giving Covid-19 vaccine to 5-11 years old

MoPH approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years??

The Ministry of Public Health has approved the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years. 

The decision is in line with the recent studies that demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in this age group, as well as the clinical evidence from countries around the world which have already begun vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 years. The vaccine is one third of the dose of that used for older age groups and is associated with only mild side effects.

The Ministry stated that this is a very important move to ensure children of this age are protected against COVID-19. Although children have been less at risk of severe infection than older people since the start of the pandemic, a greater number of children have been infected and needing medical care in this current Omicron wave than in previous waves. 

With the Omicron wave continuing to circulate in Qatar, the Ministry urged parents to support their children aged 5 to 11 years in getting their COVID-19 vaccine to increase their immunity. 

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years of age is administered, for those who wish to take it, as two doses with the second dose given three weeks after the first. 

COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years will be available at all Primary Health Care Corporation health centers from Sunday 30 January 2022. Parents of eligible children can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 to schedule an appointment for their child. Health centers also accept walk-in appointments for this age group.