Health authorities in the UAE have announced that those who have received two Covid-19 vaccine doses may avail of a booster shot in an effort to boost protection against the deadly virus.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the health spokeswoman for the federal government, urged those eligible sectors to take a third shot.
“Boosters are needed. It is given after the two main doses to activate the body’s immunity,” Al Hosani said.
“They are very significant and we call on eligible groups to take it after consulting a doctor,” she further added.
According to an explanation provided by The National, Dubai residents are eligible to take a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech three months after their last Sinopharm dose.
However, according to the Dubai Health Authority, only certain groups are eligible: UAE citizens from all emirates, domestic helpers working for UAE citizens in all emirates, and residents aged 50 and over.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, residents must wait six months after their last Sino[harm shot. They can either choose Pfizer-BioNTech or Sinopharm. While authorities in the capital urged residents to take the booster shot, they reminded them to take one Pfizer shot only as a booster. But in some cases, they have been able to get two doses after receiving a doctor’s consent.
Those who are working in the healthcare sector in the capital can receive the booster shot three months after their second Sinopharm dose.
The report added that Dubai residents do not require a doctor’s approval to get a third vaccine dose. However, according to the Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre, it is not necessary to get doctor’s approval if it has been longer than six months after their last Sinopharm vaccine.
One may book a third vaccine shot by calling Seha at 80050 or through the Seha app. Abu Dhabi residents may also book an appointment at various Seha locations: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal; Abu Dhabi City; Al Ain Convention Centre; Al Ain City; Dubai Parks and Resorts; and Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra.
Mubadala Health-owned centres in the capital are also offering appointments for Pfizer vaccination to residents who have previously taking Sinopharm. Locations include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Healthpoint. Book by calling 8004959.
Dubai residents, on the other hand, may book through the DHA’s app or through its WhatsApp account. On WhatsApp, just save their number 800342 and message a “Hi” on the app and select the option to book a vaccination.
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