Getting the COVID-19 vaccine booster in the UAE: everything you need to know

Looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster in the UAE?

If you have already had your first two doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, you might have heard that a booster shot is also available to help increase your immunity against the virus.

UAE authorities have urged residents to book a COVID-19 booster shot after receiving two doses of the coronavirus vaccine in order to increase immunity and protect public health.

The UAE has had one of the world’s fastest vaccination programmes, with Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech being the two vaccines most widely available in the country since the launch of the UAE’s vaccination campaign. Currently, Pfizer is the most widely available vaccine in the UAE.

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Here’s a breakdown on where and how to get the booster shot in the UAE.

Am I eligible for the COVID-19 booster shot?

If you recieved the Sinopharm vaccine, and are 16 years or older, you are eligible for the booster shot six months after receiving your second dose. However, individuals who are 16 years or older and have chronic diseases, and those aged 50 years and over can receive the booster shot three months after the second dose. The booster vaccine can either be of Sinopharm or any other approved vaccine in the UAE.

If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and are 18 years or older, you will be eligible for a booster shot six months after the second dose. The booster shot should remain as Pfizer-BioNTech, if the person has received two initial doses from the manufacturer. .

For those who received Sputnik V vaccine, and are aged 18 years or above, you can also get a booster dose from any approved vaccine in the UAE six months after receiving the second dose.

How do I book my COVID-19 booster shot appointment?

In Dubai you can book your booster vaccine shot through the DHA app, or you can drop into some health centres including Al Barsha Hall and One Central.

In Abu Dhabi, call Seha’s customer service centre on 80050 or use the Seha app to book your appointment. Appointments are offered at various Seha locations including Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra and more. Mubadala-owned health centres are also offering appointments for Pfizer vaccinations including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

How much does the booster cost?

All COVID-19 vaccinations including booster shots are free across the UAE in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain for residents

Is there anything else I should know about recent vaccine updates?

Patients who previously contracted COVID-19 no longer need to wait for three months to get vaccinated. Instead they can take it on completion of their isolation, provided the infection was mild or non-symptomatic.

Pregnant women can also get vaccinated against COVID-19. Pre-registering and booking is required for these services, which are available at all DHA centres. Pregnant women are urged to consult with their doctors before taking the vaccine, and waiting until after 13 weeks of pregnancy.