MUSCAT: The spread of Omicron variant is the reason behind Oman reducing the time gap for taking booster dose to three months, a top Ministry of Health official has confirmed.

Speaking in an interview Dr. Faryal Al Lawatia, Head of Infectious Diseases Unit at the Royal Hospital said: “The spread of Omicron mutant is the reason behind reducing the time period for obtaining the booster dose of Covid-19 vaccines, and there are studies confirming the safety of obtaining it after three months.”

With Oman registering 15 new Omicron cases on Monday, the Supreme Committee urged those aged 18 and above to take the booster dose. The Committee also urged both citizens and residents to take precautionary measures. On Monday evening, MOH said the 15 new cases are undergoing epidemiological investigation.