The Sultanate begins today to the PfizerbionNTech vaccination campaign against Covid-19 virus. 

The first stage includes immunizing the most vulnerable groups, including front line workers, patients suffering chronic diseases and elderly patients.

The vaccine was produced by the US firm Pfizer in cooperation with BionTech firm of Germany to motivate the immune system to produce anti-bodies and fight the disease safely. It is two-dose vaccine given a second time within a 21-day interval.

The first consignment PfizerBioNTech arrived in the Sultanate last Thursday via Muscat International Airport. The Ministry of Health drafted a vaccine distribution plan, well in advance, to cover all target groups in the Sultanate’s governorates.

The Ministry’s strategy is to cover 60% of the population in phases, the first of which covers 20% of the target segments due to limited stock.

It is worth noting that no legally binding measure makes taking the vaccine compulsory. The basic motive in the campaign will be an individual’s willingness to take the vaccine, coupled with public awareness and sense of responsibility and national duty.

Due to the significance of cooling, considered one of the basic measures in efficient management of vaccines that ensures their validity and secures them against damage, the vaccines were shipped from the country of origin in ultra-low thermal fridges to keep the drug in a temperature of minus-80 degrees Celsius. Logistic equipment are in place to carry out the Covid-19 control campaign.

Also, an electronic mechanism has been initiated via the Health Ministry’s Tarassud+, an integrate online hi-tech platform enhanced with local and international manforce, whose mission is to analyze data and follow up the vaccine recipients through sites of the Ministry and other sites. An electronic feedback line has been dedicated to report side-effects of the vaccine, if any.

The Ministry prepared an intensive media plan to raise public awareness and keep the population informed, while at the same time refuting rumours and mis-representations.