COVID-19 vaccine safe to use: Kuwait PM

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah said that no new coronavirus species were found in Kuwait until now. His remarks came in a statement to reporters, after launching the coronavirus vaccination campaign at Kuwait International Fair on Thursday.

The campaign was launched with the presence of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh. He added that the Ministry of Health is waiting for more information from international organizations on the new species of coronavirus appearing in the UK, Australia, Denmark and South Africa, reported by the media.

Meanwhile, he hailed the efforts of all workers in the vaccination campaign, noting that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled are following in the footsteps of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in wisely dealing with the coronavirus crisis. Kuwait signed contracts with several companies for the vaccine, said the minister, adding that they will keep an eye on any new vaccines that will be produced in the coming months.

He called on both citizens and expats to take the vaccine in order to achieve major immunity against the virus. Sheikh Basel also noted that the priority is for old people aged 65 years and above, as well as for frontline workers.

On his part, Chairman of the Board of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer said that the society’s volunteers are also working side by side with the campaign’s staff. He added that KRCS is also providing masks, gloves, and wheelchairs for people coming for the vaccination. Meanwhile, health ministry official spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al- Sanad said the ministry understands some people’s fear or doubt towards the vaccination, adding that the ministry is ready to answer their questions regarding the vaccination’s safety. Kuwait only approved using the Pfizer vaccine currently, which was certified by many international organizations.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said on Thursday that the (Pfizer/BioNTech) coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine was “safe to use” and it was approved by several international bodies. Speaking to the press at the vaccination center in Kuwait international fairs ground, His Highness the Prime Minister affirmed that the vaccination campaign would continue for several months in the country.

He added that the vaccine had been administrated to around 2.1 million people worldwide as a measure to curb the spread of the notorious virus. His Highness the Prime Minister thanked specialized committees at the cabinet and the Health Ministry for their tremendous efforts in the last six months covering all aspects of the campaign.

He urged the population to continue social distancing measures, wearing masks and washing hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Prior to his vaccination, His Highness the Prime Minister was briefed about the campaign’s measures to safeguard the health of medical staff and citizens during the process. His Highness was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh and Minister of Health Dr. Basel Al-Sabah.

He urged the population to continue social distancing measures, wearing masks and washing hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Prior to his vaccination, His Highness the Prime Minister was briefed about the campaign’s measures to safeguard the health of medical staff and citizens during the process. His Highness was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh and Minister of Health Dr. Basel Al-Sabah. (KUNA)