The announcement was made by Health Ministry Secretary General for Epidemiology Adel Belbeisi, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

In late September, the ministry authorized the booster shot for people 60 years old and above and others, including those with chronic illnesses, and health workers.

The official stressed the importance of the third dose, noting that immunity weakens six months after receiving the previous shot.

The health official said the second dose raises immunity for all age groups, noting that the ministry sees that the third dose should be of the same vaccine type as the first and second shots.

However, if the first and second jabs caused any complications, the booster shot can be changed, he added.

The official called on the public to report to designated centers across the country for vaccination, adding that there is no need to register on a particular platform launched earlier by the ministry to receive the third jab.

Last week, the National Anti-Pandemic Committee recommended the third dose be given to people aged 18 and above after six months from the second shot. — Agencies