Covid-19: UAE approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use

Abu Dhabi - The vaccine is 95% effective against the virus.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on Tuesday evening announced the emergency registration of Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid -19 vaccine. This is as part of the UAE's comprehensive and integrated efforts to ensure increased prevention levels against the pandemic and to provide all tools to ensure public health and safety in support of the healthcare system.

Also read: Covid-19: Dubai launches free Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination campaign

The decision comes in response to a request by Pfizer to approve the emergency registration of the vaccine so that concerned health authorities can import it after fulfilling the international standards and guidelines for the safe and efficient shipping of the vaccine. This follows the US Food and Drug Administration's reviews confirming its safety and efficacy after passing clinical trials.

The announcement was made by Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Public Health Policy & Licensing, who added that: "Authorising the registration of the vaccine comes after Pfizer had submitted all required documents in compliance with the measures and systems in place in the UAE and in accordance with international safety and effectiveness standards."

• UAE