The Saudi Ministry of Health announced that high-risk groups might need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially those with immune disorders, after 15.6 million people received two doses of the jab, while 38 million people received one dose.
Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali said in a press conference that the third dose would be given to those who have organ transplants and those who have chronic kidney disease.
The coronavirus vaccine has not been approved for children under 12 yet, and the possibility of giving them the vaccine is still under study, he added.
The spokesman confirmed the importance of completing vaccinations to prevent exposure to mutations, increase immunity, and prevent long-term COVID-19 problems, as it is considered more severe in its complications.
He explained that the coronavirus is still spreading worldwide, and cases are still increasing, calling on everyone to complete taking the two doses to raise protection and adhere to precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus.
"It is important to continue taking all vaccine doses, even for those who have recovered from the virus, while continuing to adhere to the precautionary measures," he said.
Abdelali stated that the Kingdom witnessed a downward curve at the weekly infection map, and the epidemiological indices of coronavirus cases are moving towards a positive direction.
The Ministry reported 120 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 545,243, including 2,602 active cases, 723 of which are critical.
The Kingdom reported seven deaths, raising the COVID-19 death toll to 8,579, while the number of recoveries rose by 219 to 534,062, the Ministry said.
Meanwhile, UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced one death due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of fatalities to 2,046.
MoHAP announced 971 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 723,263.
According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the statement noted that an additional 1,387 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 712,521.
The Ministry conducted 302,164 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment.
In addition, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced 103 new coronavirus cases during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 410,270, and the total number of deaths reached 2423.
Spokesman Abdullah al-Sanad explained that 59 cases are in intensive care, while 187 cases recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 405,770 cases.
