* Wear masks and maintain social distancing even after taking Covid-19 vaccine: Dr al-Maslamani

People who have had contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 should delay taking the second dose of the vaccine by 14 days from the date of contact, a senior Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) official has said.

This was highlighted through an advisory posted on the ministry's social media channels Sunday under the title 'Important tips and advice when taking the Covid-19 vaccine'.
Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of vaccination at the MoPH, said: "If you had contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, the date for taking the second dose should be delayed for 14 days from the date of contact."
The advisory added, "You will be fully protected from Covid-19 infection after a week or two from taking the second dose of the vaccine."
In an accompanying video, Dr al-Bayat explained: "When you go to take your Covid-19 vaccine, the first dose, you will be given an appointment for your second dose. It's very important to take the second dose on time to maximise your benefit from this vaccine.
 

Dr Muna al-Maslamani
"Between the two doses, if you are exposed to an ill person or somebody with Covid-19, you may get infected. So, it's very important in that case to delay taking the second dose by 14 days from the date of exposure, and after 14 days to take a test to make sure you are not infected."
If negative, the person concerned should go ahead and take the second dose, she stressed.
"You will benefit from the vaccine and develop immunity one to two weeks after your second dose," she added. "Let's take the Covid-19 vaccine to protect ourselves and those around us."
Meanwhile, Dr Muna al-Maslamani, medical director of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, highlighted the importance of following precautionary measures such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing even after taking the Covid-19 vaccine.
Addressing the question if one still needs to wear a mask and socially distance after taking the vaccine, Dr al-Maslamani said in a video shared by the MoPH Sunday: "Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that Covid-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop the pandemic."
These include wearing a mask over one's nose and mouth, washing the hands often and staying at least 6ft away from people who don't live with you, she explained.
"Together, the Covid-19 vaccination and following the Ministry of Public Health's recommendations on how to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading Covid-19," she added.