A booster dose of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is now available in Saudi Arabia, according to the Ministry of Health.
Those aged 12 years and older who have spent two months or more after receiving the previous dose can receive the updated or bivalent vaccine. All age groups must be immunized with the booster dose to prevent the virus, according to the ministry.
Vaccines can be obtained through the Sehhaty application by booking an appointment. There are four target groups for the booster dose: the elderly; those with immune diseases and chronic illnesses; those at high risk of infection; people working in environments that increase the risk of infection or the spread of the virus, and people who received the previous dose within the past two months.
A new dose of the vaccine contains important updates against the new variants of Coronavirus and contributes to enhancing individual immunization against the virus, according to the ministry. As a result, Coronavirus infections are less likely to result in health complications.
This year, the Ministry of Health approved the rollout of the updated COVID-19 booster dose for those who received the last dose three months ago.
The updated vaccine offers comprehensive protection against severe COVID-19 and the omicron variant illnesses, which is why it is known as a bivalent vaccine. According to the ministry, the move aims to protect the health of elderly individuals who are eligible for vaccinations and prevent them from falling ill as a result of virus infection.
Booster doses are administered after the basic doses aimed at boosting immunity. Additionally, the previously received basic doses are relatively effective against mutants.
COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by the virus. The bivalent vaccines contain components of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against Coronavirus and components of the omicron variant to provide better protection against Omicron variant-related viruses. Vaccines containing these two components are called bivalent vaccines.
