UAE Covid vaccine: I got an 'E' after both doses of jab, have you?

‘The journey of vaccination’: This was the title of the file the medical team gave me as I decided to take the Covid-19 vaccine last month.

My vaccination journey:

>> I got the jab in Dubai, and a new lease of life

>> I got my second shot and feel safer

And since this is, indeed, a journey, it has to reach its final destination. And I have reached there. My reward? An ‘E’ sign on my profile in the UAE’s contact tracing Al Hosn app.

On December 14, 2020, I went to the Emirates Field Hospital in Dubai Parks and Resorts to get my first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine. After 21 days, I received the second dose.

All these days, I was constantly refreshing my app for the E sign to appear. And finally it did — exactly 28 days after I received my second dose.

What is the E sign?

It certifies that I have received the two doses of the vaccine. Those who have received both doses of their vaccine get the sign after 28 days.

People who participated in the trials of the vaccine receive a star sign, which is similar to ‘E’.

Why is it important?

The E sign exempts a resident from taking certain mandatory PCR Covid tests. Unvaccinated employees of federal government departments are required to take a PCR test every seven days.

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E sign holders are also not required to take a PCR or DPI test to enter Abu Dhabi from within the UAE.

I will continue practising all safety measures

When a person takes the vaccine, he or she will feel safer. However, people have to continue following all Covid safety protocols.

I will continue to wear a mask, wash my hands frequently and maintain social distancing. I have done my part to help the UAE recover from the pandemic, have you?

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi