People in UAE who lack Covid antibodies will be able to have third Sinopharm shot

The UAE recorded 1,871 new coronavirus cases yesterday and recoveries exceeded infections for the ninth day running.

The latest daily figures brought the country’s overall tally to 442,226.

Another 2,144 people overcame the virus, as the recovery total climbed to 424,480.

The death toll now stands at 1,445, after a further seven fatalities were confirmed during the 24-hour reporting period.

Active cases in the Emirates fell to 15,941.

Meanwhile, the country has sufficient supplies of Sinopharm vaccine to allow some residents to take a third “booster” shot to further protect them from Covid-19, a health expert said.

Extra doses were administered to a “small number” of people whose immune systems were found to have not responded to the vaccine, said Walid Zaher, chief research officer of G42 Healthcare, the company distributing Sinopharm’s vaccine in the UAE.

Residents concerned they might not have enough antibodies have been told they can have their levels checked.

“We recommend that if you want to do so, it’s within the period of three months of receiving your second shot, and then every three months to ensure that you have a sufficient level of antibodies to prevent, or fight against severe forms of Covid-19,” Dr Zaher told Dubai Eye radio.

He said some people did not create enough antibodies to protect them against Covid-19, a phenomenon that “is expected with all vaccines”.

Dr Zaher said that very few people required a booster.

“It’s a very small number compared to the millions who have received the vaccine already,” he said.

Dr Zaher said the benefits of giving a third dose of the Sinopharm vaccine had been demonstrated.

“It has been shown, within the context of a study, to boost immunity to a protected level from Covid-19, and that was the purpose behind giving the third shot to some people,” he said.

“It’s known that every year you have to renew your flu shot. So think of it as the same thing.”

Residents who undergo an antibody test and find they have low levels of immunity to Covid-19 cannot book a third dose directly. Instead, Dr Zaher recommended such people should consult their doctors.

“The medic will then notify the healthcare facilities and authorities, and you will be scheduled for a third shot,” he said.

Those who took part in the initial Sinopharm vaccine trial and do not know whether they received a placebo should consult the centre that administered their initial injections.