KUWAIT CITY — No new coronavirus strains have been found in Kuwait until now, the country's Health Minister Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah told reporters after the launch of the coronavirus vaccination campaign at Kuwait International Fair on Thursday.

The vaccination campaign was launched in the presence of Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh.

He added that the Ministry of Health is waiting for more information from international organizations on the new strains of coronavirus appearing in the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and South Africa.

The health minister hailed the efforts of all workers in the vaccination campaign, noting that Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled are following in the footsteps of His Highness the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in wisely dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

Kuwait signed contracts with several companies for the vaccine, said the minister, adding that they will keep an eye on any new vaccines that will be produced in the coming months.

He called on both citizens and expatriates to take the vaccine in order to achieve major immunity against the virus. Sheikh Basel also noted that the priority is for old people aged 65 years and above, as well as for frontline workers.

On his part, Chairman of the Board of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer said that the society's volunteers are also working side by side with the campaign's staff. He added that KRCS is also providing masks, gloves, and wheelchairs for people coming for the vaccination.

Meanwhile, health ministry official spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the ministry understands some people's fear or doubt toward the vaccination, adding that the ministry is ready to answer their questions regarding the vaccination's safety.

Kuwait has only approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine currently, which was certified by many international organizations. — Kuwait News Agency