Students at QF advocate for vaccine

“As soon as I took the COVID-19 vaccine, I felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders,” says Maryam Mohammed Bujbara, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar, who recently received the vaccine.

“I am now less worried about myself and others, especially when seeing family members – although we are of course still social distancing.”

Bujbara is just one of many young people who have taken the vaccine since the rollout campaign started – and is eager to encourage people to take it when they become eligible.

“I did not hesitate to get the vaccine, despite the campaigns on social media that warn against it – they cannot provide tangible scientific evidence. I got it based on the principle that any possible side effects related to the vaccine will not be more dangerous than catching COVID-19 itself, which has caused so many deaths around the world.”

Maryam believes that the world is inching closer to returning to normality – even though vaccinated people still need to follow precautionary measures, such as social distancing and wearing masks, to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

“We have taken a step closer to returning to normal life, and most of what I think about now – if the virus has disappeared by next year – is my graduation. I really want to be able to go, and be surrounded by my friends and family.”

However, Maryam emphasizes, it is important to continue carrying out awareness campaigns and encouraging the community to be vaccinated – especially eligible groups – as the country needs to reach a level of immunity to protect the entire community.

Sadeem Khalid Al Qorashi is another student at Northwestern University in Qatar – a Qatar Foundation partner university – who has received the vaccine. Al Qorashi has diabetes type 1. A

"I know there is a long way to go, and the world is still facing many challenges,” she says. We need to cooperate and adhere to the recommendations so we can play a part in helping to improve the situation.”

“Obtaining a vaccinated “passport” on the Ehteraz app provides further comfort, as it feels like we are making progress on a national level.”

Hemyan Abdulla Al-Maadeed, also student at NU-Q, says that while more than a year has passed since the start of COVID-19, the severity of the virus has not diminished, so it is even more important to be vaccinated.

"I suffer from allergies that make me more vulnerable to infection with the virus, so after consulting my doctor, I did not hesitate to get the vaccine when I was offered it.

“I feel better because even though I could still get the virus, the symptoms will be less severe. I think that the best way to encourage all members of community to receive this vaccination is to look at examples around us. My grandmother, for example, was someone who did not want to get it. But since getting it, she has become a huge advocator for it.

“I hope that everyone will take the vaccine, so that we can overcome the pandemic as soon as possible."