The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, said that pandemic indicators in the Kingdom are declining, and that everyone must continue to adhere to the precautionary measures and immunization. Scientific studies have shown that taking two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is essential for preventing complications of the virus and limiting its spread.
Furthermore, it was proven that four weeks after taking the two doses of the vaccine, the risk of infection significantly decreases. Moreover, the vaccine provides high protection against acute illness, and decreases the need for hospitalization or being admitted into ICUs, as well as the chances of death. It also reduces the risks of the novel Coronavirus by 50%. Dr. Al-Abdulaali added that long-term complications could result in some health problems persisting even after recovery.
In addition, mixing the various COVID-19 vaccine types in the Kingdom is safe and effective. Some studies even indicate that mixing between these vaccines gives individuals better immune activation.
The total number of doses given at various vaccine centers in the Kingdom is estimated to be 38 million. Moreover, 15.5 million people have received the two doses of the vaccine. More than 587 centers have provided it across the Kingdom.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali revealed that 120 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 545,243. These include 2,602 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 723 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday. Dr. Al-Abdulaali also mentioned that 219 COVID-19 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries 534,062 to date. And 7 new mortalities were reported, bringing the total number of mortalities to 8,579.