The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced that they will commence administering a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to individuals with moderately to severely compromised immune systems.

It was clarified that individuals who fall under the below categories and are above the age of 12 are eligible to receive the third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The eligible categories include:

-      People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems

-      Individuals who have an active tumor and hematologic malignancy or have recently received treatment for the same

-      Recipients of a solid organ transplant or patients who have undergone Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)

-      People who suffer from a severe case of primary immunodeficiency

-      Patients with advanced or untreated HIV

-      Patients undergoing active treatment with agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory

 The new announcement aims to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who require an additional layer of protection from the virus.

The DHA stated that as per the latest international studies, individuals who are fully vaccinated and do not have an immune disease do not need to take an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for now. Furthermore, the authority declared that an announcement will be made in case of any new developments.

The DHA further noted that in some cases, patients suffering from immune-related diseases might not need a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The authority advised patients to consult their treating physicians in a government or private hospital in Dubai in order to get their case assessed. If a third dose must be administered, their physicians will book the appointment for them at the same hospital.

Additionally, the DHA said that citizens and residents whose residency visas are issued in Dubai but have received treatment for their conditions outside of Dubai, will have to obtain an attested medical report approved by their treating physician to receive the third dose.

In order to confirm their eligibility for the third dose, they will have to book a consultation appointment with a DHA family medicine doctor or request a telemedicine consultation ( Doctor for Every Citizen) by calling 800 342. 

Gulf News