RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has announced on Saturday the expansion of administering the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, postponing all dates for the second dose, and rescheduling it later to cover a large segment of society with the first dose. The Ministry clarified that it will postpone all second dose appointments starting from Sunday, April 11, 2021, and it will reschedule the resumption of the second dose later. The Ministry noted that the announcement came due to the scarcity and stuttering international supplies of vaccines due to the manufacturers facing challenges in fulfilling the contracted quantities. The Ministry added that it aims to ensure that the largest number of people are covered with the first dose of the vaccine, especially the high-risk groups, because of its impact in reducing severe cases and protect public health.