Even as the number of people vaccinated in the sultanate crossed the 1mn mark, the medical fraternity has called on all members of society to get immunised at the earliest. 

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), a total of 1,096,838 individuals have been vaccinated in the country. 

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Hamed al Sinawi, senior consultant in the Department of Behavioural Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, said, “Coronavirus still poses a real danger to the health of individuals, especially with the emergence of new strains that are considered more dangerous and more widespread. So parents should continue to remind children of the need to follow health instructions and avoid crowded places.”

He said it is “unfortunate” that some adolescents and young people follow social media sites that spread misinformation about the coronavirus and COVID-19. 

“These ideas can influence the behaviour of young people, so it is necessary to engage them in dialogue, know their opinions, and correct these opinions with argument and proof,” Dr Sinawi said.

Addressing concerns of kidney patients regarding vaccination, Dr Faisal al Ismaili, consultant nephrologist at The Royal Hospital, said, “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for kidney patients who are undergoing dialysis. Vaccines are also safe for kidney transplant patients. I urge everyone to get vaccinated to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

According to Dr Hamad bin Khalifa al Kalbani, resident physician in the Cardiac Surgery Department at Sorbonne University, Paris, the turnout of people at vaccination centres is indicative of the fact that Oman will be “safe from the danger of the virus”.

“Lately, Oman recorded a dea-th approximately every 30 minutes. But most countries of the world passed through this difficult stage and got over it with vaccinations and commitment to safety. France recorded 700 dea-ths daily, and only 17 on July 4.

“On July 4, Muscat Governorate alone vaccinated approximately 8,500 people. I thank the medical staff, the Ministry of Health, and the citizens and residents for their willingness to take the vaccine. It shows their responsibility towards themselves, their community and Oman. May God protect everyone from all evil,” Dr Kalbani said. 

Meanwhile, MoH began vaccinating a new target group – 18 years and older – in all governorates on July 4.

According to the ministry, 3.2mn more doses of vaccines will arrive this month. Those eligible for vaccination need to register through the Tarassud+ app or covid19.moh.gov.om in advance.