Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health said on Wednesday it has so far administered more than 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines as part of its nationwide vaccination campaign. The doses were administered in 405 vaccination sites and centers across the Kingdom, according to the ministry. Saudi Arabia launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive on Dec. 17, 2020 after the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approved the registration of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. In the campaign, the priority was given to three categories: people over the age of 65; those suffering from chronic diseases, and those whose nature of work requires being on the front lines to confront the epidemic just like workers in the health sector. The first vaccination center was opened in Riyadh and later centers were opened in Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, and Makkah. With the second phase of the vaccination that started on Feb. 18, citizens and expatriates are receiving free vaccine shots in all regions of the Kingdom. Oxford-AstraZeneca, the second vaccine that was approved by SFDA, is also being administered at these centers. — SG
