Dr. Asima Duboni, a specialist in infectious diseases at Rafik Hariri Hospital, denied the news circulating on social media regarding categories of individuals who cannot receive the COVID vaccine.
In a call with the National News Agency, Dr. Duboni confirmed that the information being shared on social media about groups that cannot receive the COVID vaccine is incorrect and lacks any scientific basis. She explained that the priority for receiving the vaccine is given to those who suffer from health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, as they are more susceptible to infection. She noted that individuals taking blood-thinning medications can receive the vaccine, provided that care is taken with the injection technique to prevent blood accumulation.
Regarding pregnant women, Dr. Duboni advised them to consult their doctor to assess the risk of contracting the virus. As for breastfeeding women, she pointed out that there has not yet been a study on this topic, but she recommended that it is preferable for them to receive the vaccine. Dr. Duboni indicated that individuals with chronic diseases such as cancer, who are undergoing chemotherapy and have weakened immunity, can also receive the vaccine. She mentioned that no studies have been released on this group yet and emphasized that the issue lies in ensuring that the vaccine provides sufficient immunity against the virus. She noted that if the goal of vaccinating everyone to achieve herd immunity is reached, this group should also get vaccinated.
Concerning those who received the flu vaccine, Dr. Duboni stated that they can receive the COVID vaccine, provided there is a gap of two weeks between the two vaccines.
