Oman among first few countries to get Covid-19 vaccine, says Al Saidi

Oman among first few countries to get Covid-19 vaccine, says Al Saidi

Muscat: Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, member of the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, has reaffirmed that the Sultanate was among the first countries to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine in a set of 42 countries around the world (that applied for the drug).Dr. Ahmed pointed out that the Sultanate's access to the vaccine came as a result of the support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik to the national anti-COVID-19 immunisation campaign and his determination that the Sultanate be among the leading countries in receiving the vaccine.The minister made the statement during the 21st press conference of the Supreme Committee, held at the Ministry of Education on Thursday.Dr. Ahmed reiterated the that Sultanate will not accept any vaccine except after checking its validity for safe use. He described reservation among some people to take the drug as “legitimate hesitation”, noting that this stance “is scientifically justifiable, but associated with rumours or misinformation”.As many as 22,749 people received the vaccine during the first phase of the national immunization campaign against COVID-19, said the minister, noting that immunisation has now covered 82 percent of the target segments. He added that side-effects are