COVID-19 vaccine to be administered in two doses: SFDA official

The COVID-19 vaccine will be administered in two doses, at an interval of 20 days, said Dr. Adel Al-Harf, Vice President of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

The dates of the two doses must be adhered to achieve the maximum benefit, he added.

Speaking during a press conference held by the Ministry of Health today, Dec. 13, Al-Harf said the vaccine – like any other medication – has precautions and warnings for its usage.

"We would like all to be rest assured that the Kingdom's health authorities have all the required information regarding the vaccine, including the categories for which the vaccine is recommended and those excluded," he said.

Following up on the vaccine after it is administered -- during the stage when it becomes active -- is key to ensuring its safety and to detect any side effects that may occur, he added.

On Dec. 10, SFDA approved registration of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the Kingdom, according to data compiled by Argaam.