Covid: Dubai approves longer interval between AstraZeneca vaccine doses

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Tuesday announced it was approving a longer interval period between doses for the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.

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"Based on recent studies from the University of Oxford on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and as per the recommendations of the WHO, DHA has approved a 10-week interval between the 1st & 2nd dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine," the authority said in a post published on its official social media account.

Based on recent studies from the University of Oxford on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and as per the recommendations of the WHO, DHA has approved a 10-week interval between the 1st & 2nd dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. pic.twitter.com/hXzPns7RE6

— (@DHA_Dubai) February 23, 2021

Recent studies showed a higher efficacy and higher acquired immunity when the dosing interval between the first and second doses was increased, it explained.

"All those who are due for the second dose of this vaccine will receive a text message with the date and location for their vaccination appointment," it added.

On February 2, the UAE announced it would start offering the India-made AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines as part of its national vaccination programme.

It is the fourth vaccine being offered in the UAE, apart from Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Sputnik V.