Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has announced the availability of an updated COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for individuals aged 12 and above who have spent two months or more after receiving their previous dose.
The booster dose aims to enhance an individual’s immunisation against the virus and provide better protection against health complications resulting from COVID-19 infection.
It is also known as a bivalent vaccination since it offers comprehensive protection against severe COVID-19 and the omicron variant illnesses.
The ministry emphasised the need to complete immunisation with the booster dose for people of all age groups to prevent the virus.
The target groups for the booster dose are the elderly, individuals suffering from immune diseases and chronic diseases, groups vulnerable to high risks, those working in environments that increase the risk of infection with the virus or its spread, and those who received their previous dose two or more months ago.
Individuals can obtain the vaccine by booking an appointment through the Sehhaty application, which ensures a smooth and efficient process.
The ministry also highlighted that the previously received basic doses have a relatively good level of effectiveness against mutants, and the booster dose represents a protective dose aimed at boosting immunity.
It is noteworthy that in January of this year, the Ministry of Health gave the green light for the rollout of the updated COVID-19 booster dose for individuals who received their last shot of the vaccine three months ago.
The new dose of the vaccine contains important updates against new variants of coronavirus, contributing to the enhancement of individual’s immunization against the virus.
COVID-19 vaccines are vital to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by the virus.
The bivalent vaccines include a component of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against coronavirus and a component of the omicron variant to provide better protection against the virus caused by the omicron variant.
The vaccine is safe and effective, and the ministry’s recommendation to receive the booster dose is in line with global efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.