People vaccinated against COVID-19 are 29 times less likely to be hospitalised than the unvaccinated.
“Unvaccinated people are likely to catch the infection of coronavirus five times more than those vaccinated which reflects the effectiveness of vaccines even with emergence of new strains,” said Medical Director of Communicable Disease Center (CDC) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Dr. Muna Al Maslamani.
Speaking in a Qatar TV programme yesterday, Dr. Muna said that this came in a comparative study conducted by an international research centre. She said that the study was conducted from May 1 to July 25 to find differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many new variants of coronaviurs were detected but the most dangerous and fast-spreading was Delta,” said Dr. Muna, adding that the vaccines which are administered in Qatar are effective against COVID-19 protecting people from severe disease, and reducing admissions to hospitals and ICUs.
“A vaccinated person could be infected with minor symptoms but the vaccine will protect him from severe disease and admission to hospital,” said Dr. Muna. She said that the vaccine, even in cases of Delta, maintains its high efficiency.
Speaking about the seasonal flue, Dr. Muna said: “The Hamad Medical Corporation launched seasonal influenza vaccination campaign on September 1 to protect people in winter season.” She said that the symptoms of coronavirus and seasonal influenza are similar as both are viral diseases and affect respiratory system of an infected person.
“Seasonal influenza could cause admission to hospital and ICU, so I would like to urge people to take the influenza vaccine, which will reduce the pressure on health sector.” Dr. Muna said people with chronic diseases, low immunity, senior citizens and children from age 2 to 12 years and pregnant women are strongly recommended to take seasonal influenza vaccine.
“It is noted that some pregnant women feel reluctance in taking vaccines whether it is against coronavirus or seasonal influenza. Both types of vaccines in Qatar are safe for pregnant women and they could take both at the same time and on the same day,” said Dr. Muna. She said that the vaccines boost the immune system of human body which helps greatly in protecting against diseases. “The influenza vaccination is available at 28 health centers, private clinics and semi-governmental health facilities,” said Dr. Muna.
