Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a Covid-19 vaccination in the near future.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RIYADH – The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) announced priority will be given to residents who have a greater chance of being exposed to the corona virus. Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the near future.
In the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health as part of an awareness campaign prior to the launch of the vaccination program, the ministry has identified the vaccination target groups, namely as follows, reported in Saudi Gazette, Monday (14/12).
- The security sector and military and who have the same status; health practitioners, including emergency services in critical areas; elderly over the age of 60; people with obesity (body mass index or BMI higher than 40); immunocompromised (such as those who have undergone an organ transplant and are taking immunosuppressive drugs); and those with two or more chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chronic heart disease.
- Other health practitioners suffer from chronic disease, obesity (BMI 31-40), and sickle cell anemia.
- Anything that can be vaccinated.
The vaccine is considered safe because of its effectiveness through the testing phase, evokes a strong immune response and produces antibodies continuously. The ministry noted that side effects from vaccines are usually minor and temporary, such as localized inflammation after injection, mild high temperature, or headaches.
The ministry stressed that each licensed vaccine will be rigorously tested. Vaccines undergo several stages of testing before they are approved for use, and are regularly re-evaluated. Scientists will also continue to monitor information from multiple sources for any sign of a vaccine that poses a health risk.
The ministry explained that recipients of the initial vaccine would be given proper awareness of the most common side effects expected to occur after taking the vaccine, namely fatigue, headaches, pain at the injection site, muscle pain, malaise, high temperature, and body tremors.
Symptoms of headache, muscle pain, high body temperature, and fatigue can be relieved by using paracetamol. Meanwhile, redness and swelling at the injection site can be treated with cold compresses because it will reduce pain.
If they experience any other side effects that cause concern, they should consult a healthcare provider. The ministry also said those who receive the first injection of the vaccine should be educated on how to record side effects when they occur, methods of communication and follow-up, and the date of the second dose.
They will be instructed to monitor the occurrence of side effects properly, and record them as soon as they appear for a period of seven days after receiving the vaccine. The ministry also underlined the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy foods, drinking enough fluids, most importantly water, getting enough sleep, and avoiding anxiety and stress to increase immunity.
He also insisted on receiving a second dose of vaccine, if one is available at the scheduled time. This is in addition to conducting follow-up appointments to assess and examine the immune response after completing the vaccine dose. Women, who are receiving the vaccine, should use effective contraception continuously and refrain from donating blood during the vaccination period.
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