A virtual meeting to follow up the implementation of the National Campaign for Immunization against COVID-19 was held today (Monday) Ministry of Health headquarters, chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health with the presence of the MOH’s Undersecretaries and joining Directors General of Health Services at Governorates as well MOH Directors General.   

The health minister was updated about developments of immunization and the obstacles to reaching target groups, notably the irresponsible false information disseminated throughout the social media platforms making the most vulnerable groups reluctant from receiving the vaccines. Consequently, more people got  infected and admitted particularly in intensive care units.

His Excellency stressed the significance of reporting any side effects – if found- after being vaccinated, highlighting that no sever complications have been spotted.

H.E. Dr. Al Saidi affirmed during the meeting that Oman is extremely attentive in selecting effective safe vaccines.

Meanwhile, the health minister called upon all target groups to take the initiative to receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their families, urging everyone to adhere fully to the preventive procedures such as wearing mask, physical distancing, avoiding gathering, and maintaining hand hygiene.

Moreover, the meeting emphasized the role of the primary healthcare institutions being the first contact with the community. Role of the health committees in the wilayats was further activated in the meeting, and encouraging PHC workers and assistance categories to taking the vaccine was highlighted.    

It should be noted that the Ministry has developed a community manual for the immunization campaign, and has urged Directors General of HS in the Governorates to supervise and making these drives a success. 

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister welcomed the attendees and pointed out that this meeting comes within the periodical and consultative meetings aiming at exploring the perspectives of health leaderships in the Sultanate’s Governorates on the health system.

During the meeting, His Excellency examined number of administrative and technical areas relevant to the progress of health services in the country.  Moreover, the meeting reviewed various health aspects.

At the end, the Minister directed to the need for cooperation and carrying out the work, appraising the exerted efforts made by all employees to realize the public interest.