MANAMA — Bahrain has approved Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine for children aged from 12 to 17 years, the Bahrain News Agency reported on Tuesday. The decision was made on Tuesday by National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) after it studied all the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, and the United States' Center for Disease Control, to ensure adolescents strengthen their immunity against the virus. The taskforce noted that the opening of the vaccination registration for adolescents on healthalert.gov.bh will be announced soon, adding that approval from a guardian is needed when visiting the health centres, in addition to the presence of a guardian when taking the vaccine. Furthermore, the task force also announced the opening of registration for a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose for the most vulnerable groups in Bahrain, at least 6 months after taking the second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, for first responders, as well as citizens and residents above the age of 50, as well as those suffering from obesity, low immunity, or other underlying health conditions. The taskforce indicated that registration for the booster dose will be available through the Ministry of Health's website, healthalert.gov.bh, by clicking on "Register for booster doses" within the registration option. The taskforce emphasized that the opening of registration for taking the booster shot for the rest of the citizens and residents will be announced at a later stage, as the date for the booster shot will be 12 months after taking the second dose to ensure the maximum benefit possible.
