The Dubai Health Authority has released an extensive ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Guide’ to inform the public about the significance of the vaccines. At the same time, it will provide an answer to all questions of the public related to the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE. Here is all you need to know.

How do vaccines work?

The DHA has assured that the vaccine is safe and effective to provide protection to the public from the COVID-19 disease by stimulating the body to build resistance to a particular infection. It strengthens the immune system by training it to form antibodies against the disease. Vaccines work in different ways, but they all provide protection against the disease.

For instance, the vaccine starts producing antibodies as soon as it is injected into the immune system. A person's immune system creates a memory against foreign bodies such that it starts fighting the virus.

Why the vaccine is necessary>

As of now, the vaccine is the safest and most effective method to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and control it from spreading. It will protect the community members from the disease.

Target group

While the UAE government is aiming to vaccinate the maximum number of people to achieve adequate immunity, priority has been given to those people who are at a higher risk of contracting the infection.

People most likely to develop complications of the disease include:

·        Senior citizens and residents over 60 years

·        People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases, obesity, hypertension, and people with a BMI of 35 or more.

·        People of determination

·        Frontline workers in the public and private sector

·        Employees in sensitive and vital positions

·        Community members over 18 years

·        However, these members have been excluded from the vaccination groups as of now.

·        Nursing mothers

·        Pregnant women

·        Children below 18 years

·        People with an immunodeficiency disease

·        People allergic to any vaccine, food, medicine or substance

·        Those who carry a self-injectable adrenaline

·        Women planning to get pregnant in the near future (particularly three months from the date of taking the vaccine)

People are required to inform the doctor about all the medications they are taking or allergic to in order to ensure the smooth operation of the vaccination programme.

Vaccine Safety and Efficacy

All vaccines have undergone several stages of necessary testing other clinical stages before receiving approval by authorities for public use. The UAE government has approved these vaccines based on scientific analysis to ensure that they comply with all safety requirements.

Note: The COVID-19 vaccination is optional for all community members.

How to receive the vaccine?

1.     Any individual has to register for the vaccination via the DHA app or call 800 342

2.     (If an individual does not have a health card number to register via the app, the DHA has suggested Dubai residents to open a file for COVID-19 vaccine by sending an email [email protected])

3.     You will receive a text message with instructions and tips (after you meet all criteria)

4.     Read the consent form carefully

5.     When you arrive at the medical centre, your vital signs will be checked by the authorities

6.     After all checks, you will receive the first dose of the vaccine

7.     You will have to wait at the clinic for 20 minutes after receiving the vaccine

8.     Once your vaccination process is over, you will receive an SMS within 15 minutes. It will provide all details related to your vaccination certificate and the appointment date and time for the second dose which will be administered after 21 days

Pre-vaccination checklist for COVID-19 vaccines:

You must ensure to tell this information to your doctor before taking the vaccine:

·        If you have any symptoms such as fever

·        If you have a medical history such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc

·        If you are allergic to any vaccine, food, medicine or substance OR if you carry self-injectable adrenaline

·        If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or you are planning to get pregnant within the next three months

·        If you suffer from an immunodeficiency disease or have weak immunity.

The vaccine comprises of two doses that are required to be taken separately in a gap of 21 days. The vaccine is given in the muscle of the upper arm.

For the vaccine to be successfully effective, it is necessary for the individual to take the second dose within the stipulated time. It will take one week after the second dose for the vaccine to be effective and provide the necessary immunity.

However, even after taking both the doses of the COVID-19, people must comply with the necessary precautionary measures such as wearing a face mask and sanitising regularly

Do I need to take the COVID-19 vaccine only once in my lifetime?

According to the DDHA, it is too early to tell how long the vaccine will be effective for and the duration of its effectiveness.

Side effects after taking the COVID-19 vaccine

The DHA has stated that it will be normal to experience minor side effects during the first week after receiving the vaccine. Fever, fatigue and headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and shivering are among some of the side effects people can face after taking the vaccine.

What do I do about the side effects?

·        Take paracetamol tablet for mild and moderate side effects.

·        Use a cold compress for pain at the injection spot.

·        If the mild and moderate symptoms persist longer, book a telemedicine appointment with the 'Doctor For Every Citizen' initiative.

The appointment can be booked using the DHA app or by contacting the DHA’s toll-free number 800 342. People must choose “COVID-19 Vaccine” from the main list and then click on number 3 for booking the appointment. In case of emergencies, you must head to the nearest health centre or hospital.

General tips after taking the vaccine

·        Be aware of side effects from the vaccine

·        Comply with COVID-19 measures and instructions issued by your doctor.

·        Do not skip or delay the appointment for the second dose of the vaccination. It is very important to take the second dose to make the vaccine effective against the disease.

Precautionary measures

While the vaccine is one of the most effective ways to combat the COVID-19 disease, it is not the only way. People must follow precautionary measures to combat the disease even after taking the vaccine. These measures include wearing a face mask, maintaining physical distancing and sanitising your hands regularly.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The DHA guide also answers some frequently asked questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine:

Can a person who was infected with COVID-19 take the vaccine?

Yes, a person can take the vaccine after three months from the date of infection. However, it is important to note that the body develops antibodies after getting infected with COVID-19 itself, which reduces the chances for re-infection.

Is it safe to COVID-19 vaccine, if a person has taken any other vaccine other such as the influenza vaccine?

Yes, but They will have to wait for more than four weeks after the influenza vaccine to be eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is it safe to take another COVID-19 vaccine, a person has already taken a different COVID-19 vaccine recently?

NO. It is not safe or recommended to take a different type of COVID-19 vaccination.

Can a person reschedule the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to another day?

It is strongly recommended by DHA to abide by the instructions and complete the vaccine course in the scheduled time to ensure the vaccine becomes effective and is able to protect the immune system.

If a person has taken the vaccine, are they exempted from taking a PCR test for travel purposes or for pre-surgical procedures in Dubai?

No, they will not be exempted as Dubai authorities have made it mandatory for people to follow policies and regulations related to COVID-19 testing and screening in Dubai.

Can I stop wearing a face mask after taking the COVID-19 vaccine?

Every individual is required to wear a face mask and follow all the precautionary measures after taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is it safe for people with chronic diseases to take the vaccine?

Yes, the vaccine is safe and effective for people with chronic diseases as well, noting that they are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 complications.

Is it safe for a person on multiple medications to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Your family physician will guide you on the safety of taking the COVID-19 vaccine. However, people must provide a detailed medical history and any medications they are taking to the health authorities before receiving the vaccine. They must also inform their physicians about any allergies to any drugs or medications.

What is the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is free of cost

Is the vaccine voluntary or compulsory in Dubai?

The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary for all residents and citizens in the emirate.