Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has clarified some details related to COVID-19 vaccination, Convalescent Plasma Therapy and the hotline.
The Ministry has encouraged recovered COVID–19 patients to donate plasma as Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is using Convalescent Plasma Therapy to treat COVID-19 patients in Qatar.
“The treatment involves plasma taken from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing it into patients currently battling the virus,” the Ministry said in its Twitter account.
Plasma is the liquid part of the blood where antibodies against infectious diseases are present and is currently used to treat people with the COVID-19, especially those suffering from severe infection.
“As people fight the COVID-19 virus, their body produces antibodies to attack it. These antibodies are secreted by immune cells known as B lymphocytes. These are found in plasma, the liquid part of the blood, which helps the blood clot and increase immunity,” said the Ministry.
“Once a person recovers the antibodies stay in their body to fight the virus if it returns,” it added. A plasma donation centre has been set up at the Communicable Disease Centre of HMC.
“With the help of our clinical teams, you have recovered from COVID-19 infection. However, there are many other patients who are still suffering from this infection and you can help them to recover by donating your plasma. Plasma from one recovered patient can be used to treat one to two infected patients,” said HMC in its website.
In a separate post on Twitter the Ministry said that people going to Lusail COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Center must complete the process in a car or suitable vehicle . It cannot be done on foot.
“However, people who do not own a car can visit the Center and complete the vaccination process in a taxi,” said the Ministry. The drive-through centre is behind the Lusail Multipurpose Hall, open from 11am to 10pm every day. People will be seen on a first-come-first-seen basis and last entrance to the centre will be at 9pm. “In the first few weeks of operation the busiest times have been between 11am and 1pm. For the fastest and most efficient experience, it is recommended that people visit between 2pm and 7pm,” said the Ministry.
Those scheduled to receive their second dose can go directly to the Lusail COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Center on the scheduled day, without the need for an appointment.
“Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will schedule eligible people for their second dose at the drive-through centre, at the time of their first dose appointment at health centres,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry has reminded the public to call 16000 and not 999 for information or medical assistance for COVID-19.
“For all questions and quires related to COVID-19 members of the public should call the Ministry’s dedicated hotline 16000,” said the Ministry.
“The 999 number is for medical emergencies requiring immediate medical attention and transfer to an emergency department,” it added.