More than 300,000 register to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia

More than 300,000 people have so far registered to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia since the Kingdom launched the vaccine rollout program on Friday, Dec. 18, SPA reported, citing the Ministry of Health.

The vaccination campaign will be administered over three stages. The first will prioritize citizens and residents over the age of 65, as well as those on the frontlines battling the pandemic and people with certain pre-existing health conditions.

Individuals who are obese and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40, those who are immunocompromised, and any individual with two or more pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma, will also be vaccinated in the first stage.

Other pre-existing conditions that fall under the first stage include chronic kidney disease, chronic heart disease such as coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in addition to individuals with a history of a stroke.

The second stage will target individuals over the age of 50, as well as the remainder of health practitioners. People with a BMI between 30 and 40 might receive the vaccination during the second stage of the rollout.

Other individuals that suffer from any of the chronic diseases will also be vaccinated in the second stage, including asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and active cancer.

The third stage will include any remaining citizens or residents who wish to be vaccinated.