There are three vaccines available in Dubai: here’s how and where to book
Health officials in Dubai are encouraging people to book coronavirus vaccinations throughout the month of Ramadan as the national inoculation campaign continues.
In March, residents over the age of 40 were allowed to book appointments using the Dubai Health Authority mobile app as vaccine eligibility requirements were relaxed.
With main priority groups already immunised against the coronavirus – including frontline workers, those over 60 and those with existing health conditions – the DHA expanded its vaccination programme.
Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines are being given at health clinics.
Q How do I book the vaccine?
A People can book an appointment through the DHA smartphone app or through the contact centre on 800 342. The app is available for iPhone and Android phones.
Once registered, there will be a text message on the process ahead.
If you meet the criteria for the vaccination programme, according to age and vulnerability to the virus, you will be sent an electronic consent form to sign.
On arrival at the health centre or vaccination clinic, your vital signs will be checked.
The first dose of the vaccine will be administered but you will then have to wait 20 minutes to check for adverse side effects.
To complete the first stage, you will be sent a vaccination certificate by text message to your phone accompanied by an appointment date for your second dose, which will typically be given 21 days later depending on which vaccine you were given.
Which vaccine will I get – and can I choose?
This will largely depend on supplies. While information on which vaccines were being delivered at what times was not available, three are fully approved.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available at seven Dubai Health Authority clinics.
These are: Al Safa Primary Healthcare Centre, Zabeel Primary Healthcare Centre, Al Mizhar Primary Healthcare Centre, Nadd Al Hamar Primary Healthcare Centre, Al Barsha Primary Healthcare Centre, Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre and Hatta Hospital.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been given at mobile clinics and vaccination points in Dubai and, unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech inoculation, there is a 12-week gap between doses.
Although some European governments have advised those under 30 to not take the vaccine because of a slim chance of a blood clot occurring, it remains in use in Dubai and in other places.
The Sinopharm vaccine is the vaccine most widely adopted in the UAE.
It is the only one on offer in Abu Dhabi and has been given at mobile health clinics in Dubai and other emirates.
Like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the doses are delivered 21 days apart.
To date, about nine million injections have been given in the UAE, meaning the vast majority of people have had at least one shot.
Am I eligible for a vaccine in Dubai?
Residents should be over the age of 40 and must have a valid visa issued by the emirate of Dubai.
Residents over the age of 60 with visas issued in any emirate can also register for inoculation, provided they can prove they live in Dubai.
People must bring their original passport, Emirates ID or visa copy to the vaccination centre.
People under 40 with underlying health conditions may be asked to present proof of their illness. Anecdotally, many people under the age of 40 have been able to have the injections, as officials aim to vaccinate the population as quickly possible.
Can I take a vaccine if I have already had Covid-19?
Yes, but you need to wait at least three months from the date of confirmed infection before taking a vaccine.
Because the body develops antibodies after having the coronavirus, the likelihood of reinfection is very low.
Who is currently excluded from a vaccine in Dubai?
• Children below 18 years
• Pregnant women
• Women who are breastfeeding
• People with an immunodeficiency disease
• Those who are allergic to any vaccine, food, medicine or substance, or those who carry a self-injection adrenalin pen.