UAE approves new Sinopharm vaccine as a booster shot

The United Arab Emirates has approved emergency use of the new Sinopharm vaccine.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) authorised emergency use of the new recombinant protein vaccine, based on “strict monitoring” and full compliance in studies conducted locally in the UAE. The studies showed the COVID-19 jab “demonstrated an improved immune capacity against the SARS-CoV-2 variants” in volunteers who had previously received two doses of Sinopharm CNBG’s inactivated vaccine. The findings also showed the new Sinopharm vaccine had a high safety rate, was easy to store and distribute, and participants in the study did not experience side effects.

Wondering when you will be able to get vaccinated with the new Sinopharm booster in the UAE? The latest Sinopharm booster will be produced locally in the United Arab Emirates and it will be available to the public in January 2022.

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The news of the Sinopharm booster approved for emergency use in the UAE was shared on Monday December 27. It comes on the same day that the capital put in place new COVID-19 protocols.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee (ADCMC) revealed new COVID-19 safety measures for indoor and outdoor social events and family celebrations. These include event capacity reduced to 60 percent capacity for venues hosting events, like weddings and funerals, with 50 people maximum allowed at indoor events and not having more than 150 people at outdoor events. Social events at home should not host more than 30 people.

Additionally, those attending events must present green status on the Al Hosn app and a negative PCR test that is not more than 48 hours old. The COVID-19 mandate changes in Abu Dhabi came into effect on December 27.

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ADCMC emphasised that those at indoor and outdoor events should also adhere to all coronavirus protocols including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, and for everyone to get vaccinated and take their booster shots when eligible.

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Additionally, Abu Dhabi recently updated its green list for travellers. A number of countries were removed from the green list, meaning people coming from those destinations will now have to quarantine when coming to the UAE capital.

All of the measures are part of the United Arab Emirates’ proactive response to the coronavirus pandemic, and include achieving high vaccination rates, boosting testing and putting travel restrictions in place as the world focuses on the Omicron variant.

From Jan 2022.