Dubai opens bookings for vaccine boosters

Dubai residents who were vaccinated against the coronavirus more than six months ago can now book a booster.

People who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca or Sputnik V vaccines may book a third by phone with Dubai Health Authority.

Appointments through the DHA app were not immediately available when bookings opened yesterday, but are expected to go live soon.

On Sunday, the government said all adults were now eligible for a third shot.

Until now, boosters were largely limited to people with health conditions, those aged over 50, and people who had received the Sinopharm vaccine early on in the inoculation campaign.

DHA call centre staff confirmed appointments for staff from The National who received Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines earlier this year.

Each was told they would be given a Pfizer booster, regardless of their original dose.

UAE residents vaccinated with AstraZeneca were previously unable to make a booking.

The small number of residents who took the Russian-made Sputnik V have been encouraged to book a booster shot.

As the global travel industry prepares for one of the busiest festive periods in recent years, an effective vaccine booster campaign could be hugely important.

To book a booster, appointments must be made either through the DHA app, when it goes live, or by phoning the call centre on 800342.

Residents will be able to choose a day, time and location for a booster from within the app.

Anyone over the age of 18 who received their second vaccination at least six months ago is eligible for a third dose.

Everyone attending for a booster must take their Emirates ID to the appointment. Dubai visa holders must also take their passport and Dubai visa copy.

Those who live in Dubai but have a UAE residence visa issued in another emirate must also take proof of residence.

Recipients also need a medical record number. This can be generated by entering an Emirates ID number on the relevant page on the DHA website.

The booster shots will be made available at Za’abeel Health Centre, Al Mizhar Health Centre, Al Barsha Health Centre, Nad Al Hamar Health Centre, Al Bayt Mitwahid Hall in Al Warqa, Al Garhoud Medical Fitness Centre and Al Karama Medical Fitness Centre.

A booster is not yet required for international travel.

But the situation is likely to change early next year as more countries change their definition of fully vaccinated to include a third booster.

A recommendation in the EU could place a nine-month time limit on vaccine validity owing to the evidence provided by scientific research that shows immunity declines after six months.