CNA-Q, MoPH host online talk on vaccine reluctance

Doha: The School of Health Sciences (SHS), College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) held an online discussion with Dr. Soha Al-Bayat, Head of Vaccination - Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health, to shed light on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, increase public awareness about its many benefits and to debunk related myths. Dr.Jean Moraros, Dean of School of Health Sciences, in collaboration with Dr. Aljazzi Fetais, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs, moderated the session.Dr. Soha presented information about how the two vaccines widely used in Qatar (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) work on the human body to build immunity and the techniques and protocols followed in handling the vaccines safely and ensuring the best possible outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Soha discussed the spread of misinformation that may be causing “vaccine reluctance” among the public. 

“The quick response in developing the vaccine does not mean that the companies bypassed safety protocols. Many people who receive the vaccine develop systemic reactions such as headache, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. These symptoms can last for a day or two and are indicators that the immune system is properly responding to the vaccine,” said Dr. Soha. Furthermore, Dr. Soha emphasized that both vaccines are safe and highly efficacious and strongly encouraged people to get vaccinated.  Dr. Jean Moraros added, “The SHS and CNA-Q are responsive to the healthcare needs of our community. We organized this discussion to address issues we hear from our students, faculty, staff, and the larger community daily. It is important to provide accurate information about the vaccine from the right source. We are pleased and thankful to host Dr. Soha, who provided accurate information, clarified many details about the vaccine and how it works, addressed misconceptions, and answered many questions from our virtual audience. Vaccination is one of the key factors in preventing further transmission of COVID-19 and its concomitant illnesses and hospitalizations and restoring normalcy in our societal functions.”