National campaign for immunization against COVID-19 held in Oman

Muscat: A virtual meeting to follow up the implementation of the National Campaign for Immunization against COVID-19 was held today at the Ministry of Health headquarters, chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health in the presence of Undersecretaries and joining Directors General of Health Services at Governorates as well MOH Directors General.

A statement issued online by the Ministry of Health (MOH), said:" The health minister was updated about developments of immunization and the obstacles to reaching target groups, notably the irresponsible false information disseminated throughout the social media platforms making the most vulnerable groups reluctant from receiving the vaccines. Consequently, more people got infected and admitted particularly in intensive care units."

" His Excellency stressed the significance of reporting any side effects – if found- after being vaccinated, highlighting that no severe complications have been spotted."

H.E. Dr. Al Saidi affirmed during the meeting that:"Oman is extremely attentive in selecting effective safe vaccines.” 

“Meanwhile, the health minister called upon all target groups to take the initiative to receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their families, urging everyone to adhere fully to the preventive procedures such as wearing masks, physical distancing, avoiding gathering, and maintaining hand hygiene,” MOH said in the statement. 

"Moreover, the meeting emphasized the role of the primary healthcare institutions being the first contact with the community. The role of the health committees in the wilayats was further activated in the meeting and encouraging PHC workers and assistance categories to taking the vaccine were highlighted.

"It should be noted that the Ministry has developed a community manual for the immunization campaign, and has urged Directors General of HS in the Governorates to supervise and making these drives a success,” the statement added.