In the UAE the public can get three different types of the COVID-19 vaccine, depending on what bracket they fall into. Still not sure what vaccines are available, how much it costs or where to go?
Here are the most-asked vaccine questions, answered.
What vaccines are available in the UAE?
The main vaccination being doled out in the UAE is the Sinopharm vaccine, with two injections administered 21 days apart.
According to the UAE regulators, the China-developed Sinopharm has 86 percent efficacy, and was approved for use after Phase 3 trials found it was effective against coronavirus.
In Dubai some residents are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has also now been approved in Dubai for certain citizens and residents, with the first batches arriving in February.
Does getting the vaccine make you immune to COVID-19?
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 does not make you immune to the disease.
All citizens and residents must still adhere to safety regulations in the UAE including wearing a mask and ensuring social distancing whether they are vaccinated or not.
According to the Department of Health (DHA) UAE “the vaccine is a safe and effective way” to protect from COVID-19 and prevent the spread.
For the DHS guidelines on the vaccine in the UAE click here.
How much does the vaccine cost?
In the UAE, the COVID-19 vaccine is completely free.
Some centres require you to book an appointment and others you can turn up with no appointment. Currently it is limited to elderly and vulnerable citizens, as a temporary measure.
All those wishing to get the vaccine must present a valid Emirates ID.
To see the full list of vaccination centres in the UAE click here.
Who can get the vaccine?
As of Tuesday March 2, all Dubai residents can get the Sinopharm vaccine if they are over 40 years old. Adult citizens of any age can get the vaccine. In Abu Dhabi vaccines are currently being given to elderly and at risk people as a priority, until mid-March.
Can children get the vaccine?
All people over the age of 16 are able to get the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE. The vaccine is not mandatory and individuals can decide to get vaccinated or not if they are age 16 or older.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can now be administered to anyone 16 years and above (the previous age was 18) and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine can now be given to anyone aged 18 years old and above.
Where can I get the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is available is all emirates in the UAE.
To see the full list of vaccination centres in the UAE click here.
For the latest news stay tunes to Time Out.
