UAE Covid vaccine: Dubai resident takes first vaccine dose in Abu Dhabi

Mathew Saji, 33, is among the first UAE residents to take the initial dose of the Covid-19 jab, as the vaccination drive resumed on Sunday for people above 16 years.

Saji, a Dubai resident who works in Abu Dhabi, was ecstatic after taking the jab.

“I’m relieved. I cannot express my happiness. I feel secured now. I've been trying to take a jab for the past three months,” said Saji, who works in the construction sector.

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Earlier, the UAE authorities had given a six-week priority to the vulnerable people such as senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions.

However, from Sunday onwards the new rules kicked in, where all Emiratis and UAE residents, who were above 16 years were allowed to take the jab at any of the 205 medical centres on the basis of a prior appointment.

Saji had booked a slot past midnight itself, as the news broke about first doses being again made available to the masses.

“Yes, I didn’t waste any time and booked my appointment through VPS Healthcare website (covidvaccineuae.com). I’m glad to get the call this morning from Lifecare Hospital in Mussafah. I was the first person to take the jab today,” Saji said after being administered the vaccine.

He is looking forward to the second dose and attaining the special icon on his Al Hosn application (app), which will exempt him from PCR test each time he enters Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

The test has become a routine affair for the Indian national, as he commutes to Abu Dhabi from Dubai daily.

“Since I travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi daily, I’ve been taking three PCR tests a week. The vaccination will not only offer protection to me and my loved ones, but once I take the second shot, I'll be able to make use of my special icon on the Al Hosn app to be exempted from the PCR test requirement,” he added.

He is looking forward to getting his wife vaccinated and also spread the importance of taking part in the vaccination programme among friends and relatives.

“Vaccination is the only way to achieve herd immunity. All my family and friends are waiting to get their first doses. I urge everyone to benefit from this opportunity. I thank the UAE authorities for resuming the vaccination drive after senior citizens were offered protection,” Saji added.

People, who wish to take the first dose, can book appointments through the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s (MoHAP) Covid-19 UAE app, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

For further details, people can call on 80011111 (MoHAP), 8001717 (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) and 800342 (Dubai Health Authority).

Ashwani Kumar

I am a newspaperman from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A journalist at heart. I get my stories from the streets. A south Indian born in the Hindi heartland, I easily connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am calm like a monk, sensitive and very patient reporter. On the ground, I cover a range of topics related to community, health, embassy, tourism, transport, business and sports. I will go out on a leg to do what’s right and stand by what I believe in.