Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stated to Al-Arabiya that 14 million people in the Kingdom have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Al-Rabiah added, "We will begin administering the second dose of the vaccine once it is available in large quantities." He emphasized that the leadership of the Kingdom is keen on providing highly effective vaccines.
A few days ago, Dr. Abdullah Assiri, the Assistant Undersecretary for Preventive Health at the Saudi Ministry of Health, revealed that delaying the second dose of the COVID vaccine can enhance immunity for certain vaccines, and there is no need to worry about the delay for some segments of society for the greater good. Monitoring the immunity levels after the first dose of COVID vaccines shows that there is no ideal duration between the two doses.
He mentioned in a tweet: "Some countries have adopted a 3-month interval between doses, while others have chosen 4 months before starting the schedule for the second dose. The epidemiological situation and the demographic composition are decisive." He also confirmed that the second dose is not a requirement for international travel in general, stating that countries implementing institutional quarantine for incoming travelers look at disease spread rates and variants in the travelers' countries, regardless of the traveler's vaccination status.
At the end of May, Saudi Arabia announced that 40% of the population had received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine so far, in the context of vaccine distribution to restore normal life and manage the pandemic. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is available for adults aged 60 and over across the Kingdom. The Ministry has also made the second dose available for other categories through a circular issued by the COVID Vaccine Operations Platform at the Ministry's Command and Control Center.
Meanwhile, the Public Health Authority "Weqaya" noted in response to a query regarding the travel requirement for those under 15 years old to have an independent "Tawakkalna" app account that it is possible for those under 15 to register with an independent account on the "Tawakkalna" app.
