Published: Tue 22 Sept 2020, 12:00 AM
Updated: Thu 24 Sept 2020, 9:59 AM
With a Covid-19 vaccine approved for frontliners' use in the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has started administering the shot to the medical and nursing staff of Al Qassimi Hospital for Women and Children in Sharjah.
A number of top Mohap officials also received the first dose of the jab, following the vaccination of the country's health minister on Saturday.
The move comes as part of the ministry's plan to get frontline health workers vaccinated.
Highest levels of safety
"This step clearly underlines the interest and support of the wise leadership for all workers in the health sector and its commitment to providing them with the highest levels of safety," the ministry said.
Based on the clinical trials, the vaccine has been proven safe and effective in countering Covid-19. It is now in the final stages of trials in four Arab coubtries, including the UAE. Over 31,000 volunteers of 125 nationalities received the jab in the country in six weeks.
"Those who got vaccinated will be under careful and continuous medical supervision, along with necessary examinations to spot any adverse effects that may arise," Mohap added.
The vaccine's evaluation for emergency use was based on certain criteria, taking into account several data like target groups, product characteristics, preclinical and clinical study findings, and all relevant scientific evidence.
Mohap has followed all measures to control the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the vaccine, including the emergency use of the product. It will monitor and report negative effects and provide information on its safety, efficacy, and manufacturing.
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