Saudi Arabia's health minister announced that FREE coronavirus vaccines will be available at pharmacies in the kingdom
3 March 2021
| Last updated on 3 March 2021
Plans to expand vaccination centers across the Kingdom are in place.
Covid-19 vaccines will soon be provided at pharmacies in Saudi Arabia for free, Minister of Health Dr. Tawfik Al Rabiah told Al Arabiya.
As of Wednesday, cases in the Medina region fell by more than 86 per cent, thanks to the strict implementation of precautionary and preventive health measures, as well as community's use of the Tawakkalna app.
The Tawakkalna app, which was launched in 2020 to help people in Saudi Arabia track infections, now functions as a 'Covid-19 passport' as well. To be able to access workplaces, stores, and shopping malls, users must confirm their health condition through the app.
Ministry of Health spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al Abdulaali confirmed that new plans to open more vaccination centers across the country, with the kingdom's Food and Drug Authority currently studying a number of Covid-19 vaccines to expand the vaccination drive in various regions.
Covid-19 vaccines now a prerequisite for Hajj
The Minister of Health also announced that Covid-19 vaccines are a must for any one wishing to make the annual Islamic pilgrimage, or Hajj, this July.
Combating the spread of the virus in Medina "through digital applications and artificial intelligence proved to be one of the most successful approaches both regionally and globally," Dr. Mohammed Al Abdulaali said in a report from state news agency SPA.
Officials are encouraging Saudi citizens and expats to download and activate the Tabaud app, which helps notify users if they come in contact with someone who has been infected with coronavirus.
As of Tuesday March 2, officials recorded 302 new cases, 286 recoveries, and five Covid-related deaths. The total number of confirmed infections in the kingdom is now 378,002.
