Video: Sharjah turns Expo Centre into vaccination centre

Sharjah - Priority will be given to seniors, people of determination, and those with chronic diseases.

Expo Centre Sharjah, the emirate’s top venue for massive events, has now been added to the UAE’s list of vaccination centres, the authorities have announced.

Residents of all nationalities may now go to the Expo centre to get their Covid jab, though priority will be given to seniors, people of determination, and those with chronic diseases.

Making the 40,000 sqm-venue a vaccination hub falls in line with the UAE’s nationwide drive to inoculate at least 50 per cent of the population by the end of the first quarter. The decision has been taken by the Sharjah government, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

Dr Laila Al Jasmi, director of the vaccination department at MoHAP, said the move is part of the ministry’s #TogetherWeRecover campaign. The goal, she said, is to reach as many citizens and residents as possible within a short period of time and bring life back to normal in three months.

To get the jab, residents just have to follow the standard procedures laid down for all other vaccination centres. At the Expo Centre, male and female areas are separated. Instruction boards have been put up to guide jab takers with every step.

Dr Al Jasmi reiterated that the vaccine is free for all. Two shots will be administered, 21 days apart. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mums, youths under 18 years old, and those who have had some allergic reactions to vaccines are not allowed to take the jab.

• Sharjah