Abu Dhabi government has launched a ''Choose to Vaccinate'' campaign aimed at providing the COVID-19 vaccine to every resident and citizen in the emirate. Launched under the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign asks people to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves against the COVID-19 disease.

Under this campaign, all UAE nationals and residents can receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of cost. The Abu Dhabi government has responded proactively against the pandemic crisis since its onset in the emirate. From mass screening and testing to active tracing, Abu Dhabi government's rigorous approach allowed the emirate to successfully maintain a low rate of 0.39 per cent of confirmed cases out of total tests carried out in the region.

Through this vaccination campaign, the authorities are aiming to retain the health accomplishments that the emirate has achieved while tackling the COVID-19 crisis. It also seeks to ensure that Abu Dhabi continues to lead the way in comprehensively protecting its citizens and residents.

Speaking about the development, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, asserted that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for the world. He added that Abu Dhabi authorities have prioritized the protection of its community in its efforts to combat the spread of the virus. Authorities are working actively to find the best solutions to counter the pandemic challenges by collaborating with global leaders to participate in clinical trials that have resulted in the development of a potential vaccine against the virus.

Extending new year's wishes, Al Hamed assured that Abu Dhabi will continue its work to ensure that its people are safe amid the pandemic. He noted that as part of this commitment, the authorities ensured that the vaccine underwent rigorous trials to ensure its safety, efficacy and quality. He further expressed hope in vaccinating every individual to protect the health and safety of the nation.

Dr. Jamal Mohammed Alkaabi, Undersecretary of Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, assured that the approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and will provide the necessary immunity to the recipient to fight the virus.

Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, affirmed that the simplest and most effective to stay safe from the disease is to get vaccinated. It has been seen through history that vaccines have saved millions of lives around the world.

"COVID-19 will not disappear unless we fight back and the most effective way to do that is with vaccines. I hope everyone chooses to vaccinate, to break the infection chain and be a part of victory against this pandemic," Al Nuaimi said.

Significantly, immunisation through vaccination is the safest and most effective way to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic as it will strengthen the natural immunity of the body against the disease.

People can learn about the vaccination campaign, by visiting www.doh.gov.ae.

WAM