The UAE authorities have called on community members to take their COVID-19 booster doses after they have received both vaccine doses. This development has come in view of the emergence of mutated virus strains of COVID-19 that have increased health risks across various regions.

Addressing a media briefing recently, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the UAE government's health spokeswoman, urged all eligible people to take a third booster vaccine dose to enhance protection against COVID-19.

“Boosters are needed. It is given after the two main doses to activate the body’s immunity. They are very significant and we call on eligible groups to take it after consulting a doctor," Dr Al Hosani said.

Here's all you need to know about COVID-19 booster doses and how you can book an appointment:

When are you eligible to take a booster shot?

As of now, Dubai residents are eligible to take a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine three months after they received their second Sinopharm vaccine dose. According to the Dubai Health Authority, eligible groups include UAE citizens from all emirates, domestic helpers working for UAE citizens across all emirates, and residents aged 50 and over.

Abu Dhabi residents are required to wait at least six months after their last Sinopharm vaccine dose. They have an option to choose between Pfizer-BioNTech or Sinopharm booster dose. People working in Abu Dhabi's Healthcare sector are allowed to receive the booster shot three months after their second Sinopharm vaccine dose.

Abu Dhabi authorities have also urged residents to take one Pfizer vaccine dose only as a booster. There have been some people who were able to receive two doses after doctor's approval.

Do you need doctor’s approval for Pfizer booster after being vaccinated with Sinopharm?

As of now, Dubai residents do not need doctor's approval. According to Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre, residents do not require doctor's approval if it has been longer than six months after they received their last Sinopharm vaccine. The Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre is managing the appointments for Pfizer vaccinations at centres operated by Mubadala Health.

How can you book?

Residents can book vaccination appointments by calling SEHA's customer service centre on 80050 or through the SEHA app.

As of now, appointments are being offered at various SEHA locations, including Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal; Al Ain City; Dubai Parks and Resorts; Abu Dhabi City; Al Ain Convention Centre; and Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra.

Mubadala Health-owned healthcare centres across Abu Dhabi, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Healthpoint, are offering appointments for Pfizer booster doses to people who have previously taken the Sinopharm vaccine. People can book an appointment by calling 800 4959.

Dubai is offering a number of various ways to book appointments for booster vaccination, including via DHA’s app or WhatsApp account.

For WhatsApp booking, people are required to save 800 342 to their phone's contacts and send a message on the app to the number saying “Hi”. You can select your preferred language and option three to book a vaccination appointment.

Then, you will be asked to accept a disclaimer to allow the linking of your medical record number (MRN) to your WhatsApp account. Later, you will be asked for a verification code sent to your phone by the system. Reply “mrnlinked” on WhatsApp once the process is completed.

Then, you will be asked to confirm the MRN or add another medical record number to book the appointment. You can select your nearest vaccination centre offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. You will be required to submit your MRN, confirm the vaccination centre, and choose your preferred date and time for the appointment.

Some centres in Dubai, including Al Barsha Hall and One Central, also offer walk-in booster vaccination to residents.