UAE Covid vaccine: Sinopharm booster shots now available at health ministry centres

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has further expanded its Covid-19 vaccination campaign by opening up booking slots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the 12 to 15 age group, as well as the booster dose of the Sinopharm vaccine.

Those who have taken the second dose of the Sinopharm jab at least six months ago are now eligible for the booster dose.

Bookings can be made via the ministry’s website or official Covid-19 app.

This comes as part of the UAE’s efforts to vaccinate most of the country’s population to reach the required herd immunity, given the fact that vaccinations are considered the best medical interventions to prevent diseases and pandemics.

The announcement comes days after the ministry approved the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children within that age group, following the completion of clinical trials and a strict assessment conducted to approve the local emergency use of the vaccine, as well as the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Studies have shown that the Pfizer jab is 100 per cent effective in kids aged 12-15.

Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Preventive Medicine Department, asserted that the Covid-19 vaccine centres are fully equipped with specialised and well-trained health experts, medical equipment and supplies.

Al Marzouqi noted that work is underway to increase the operational capacity of vaccine centers to accommodate the increasing demand by the individuals to get the Covid-19 vaccine, emphasizing that vaccination doesn’t mean that the pandemic is over. She urged community members to remain committed to precautionary and preventive measures.

Despite the low prevalence of Covid-19 infections among children, vaccination is still very important especially with the gradual return of students to schools during the next year. This, in turn, would help enhance the sense of safety among children that their health is well maintained, the official added.

“The state’s decision to provide the Pfizer Covid vaccine to the 12-15 age group, in addition to the Sinopharm booster dose clearly reflects the keenness of the state’s wise leadership to immunize the community that is of national priority. It is also an important input in the fight against the pandemic to reach the recovery phase and bring life back to normal, thus increasing optimism and reassurance in society,” said Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Centres and Clinics Sector.

According to global reports, the UAE is considered one of the best countries in the world in dealing with the Covid-19, thanks to the development of the health sector and the utilisation of expertise and capacities to preserve the gains, he sais.

saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi