Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, recently addressed a government media briefing about the ongoing developments in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. During the briefing, Dr. Al Hosani stated that a study conducted on the efficiency of the UAE's vaccination campaign has revealed that non-vaccinated people are more at risk of severe complications caused by the COVID-19 disease. In this regard, she called on all members of the community to participate in the campaign and get themselves vaccinated.

According to the study's findings, a significant decline was observed in the infection rates after administering second doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The study also indicated the vaccine's efficiency in preventing people from hospitalisation is about 93 percent. At the same time, the vaccine's efficiency in preventing people from being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) amounted to 95 percent.

Dr. Al Hosani further announced the launch of the production of the Hayat-Vax COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE as the "beginning of a historic phase of vaccine production in the country." She underlined that it is a key strategic step in boosting the infrastructure of the UAE's health sector and strengthening local biotechnology capacities.

Hayat-Vax (Hayat means life in Arabic) is the region's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine to be manufactured by the joint venture of China's Sinopharm CNBG and Abu Dhabi-based leading tech company G42.

As of now, the vaccine is being distributed locally. But procedures are underway to get the vaccine approved in other countries and to allow its global accreditation. With this development, the UAE is seeking to become a leading regional hub in the field.

Dr. Al Hosani added that the relevant health authorities across the country are continuing their efforts to enhance community immunity against the COVID-19 disease. Authorities are making efforts to vaccinate the maximum number of eligible people (those over 16 years) in the UAE.

She highlighted the UAE approved a wide range of vaccines as part of its national inoculation drive, including Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Pfizer-BioNTech.

''Both citizens and residents can take any of these vaccines in the approved vaccination centres across the country,'' she added.

During the media briefing, she also underlined the significance of the UAE community and its commitment to following the precautionary measures issued by relevant authorities. The senior official noted that the UAE has ensured all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of all community members by making the vaccines easily available and free for everyone.

"The National Vaccination Campaign in the UAE continues to achieve its goals, with over 72.03 percent of all eligible people of the population (16 years and above), and 79.03 percent of those over 60 years having been vaccinated," Dr. Al Hosani added.

She stated that more than 11 million vaccine doses have been administered by the UAE, at a rate of 113.10 doses per every 100 persons. In addition, the UAE has conducted more than 46 million COVID-19 tests across the country. With these efforts, the UAE has emerged as one of the world's most efficient examples in handling and curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. Al Hosani stressed the health authorities continue to closely monitor vaccines' efficiency in protecting the community. Health authorities are regularly monitoring the developments in clinical trials, observing vaccines' effectiveness among community members, and tracking positive cases registered across the country.

Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine after reviewing the studies on its safety and efficiency as well as the data provided by the UAE to support the decision, she added. Dr. Al Hosani further thanked all field employees and volunteers of clinical trials for their participation and efforts to reach the final approval of the vaccine.

She pointed out the UAE was among the first countries in the world to use the Sinopharm vaccine after its local assessment. Dr. Al Hosani added that the vaccine is highly efficient and safe as it provides several other advantages such as ease of storage and transportation. She stressed the vaccine is produced in a conventional way by using an inactive virus like most vaccines for other diseases. Moreover, it offers increased safety and protection from serious complications from the disease.

On being asked whether it is safe to take another type of vaccine after taking both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, she urged people to refrain from taking any other type of vaccine for the time being.

"We affirm that there are no studies indicating that it is safe to take various vaccines, and this matter requires further studies. For the time being, we urge people who have taken two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to not take any other type of the vaccine for their own safety," the senior official noted.

For his part, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), said the UAE is ensuring all possible efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. He added that the UAE's national strategic plans have achieved numerous positive results.

Dr. Al Dhaheri affirmed that returning to normalcy is a positive outcome of proactive and accurate planning, community awareness, and continuous efforts of relevant authorities, under the guidance and monitoring of the UAE's leadership.

He further announced that Eid al-Fitr prayers will be performed for 15 minutes. He called on all members of the community to adhere to necessary precautionary measures during the prayers, such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing.

He added that people infected with COVID-19 undergoing treatment, those exposed to infected people, and people with chronic diseases are prohibited from attending the Eid prayers in mosques. He advised elderly people over 60 years and children under the age of 12 to not attend prayers at mosques for their safety.

The NCEMA official noted that large gatherings and shaking hands during and after prayers are also prohibited. He affirmed that prayers will take place only in approved mosques and musallas across the country and services facilities will be closed for visitors.

He explained that relevant authorities will be monitoring the process of entry and exit of people from mosques to organise prayers and prevent overcrowding. Mosques will be opened for 15 minutes before prayers and will be closed immediately after the prayers are offered.

Dr. Al Dhaheri called on all community members to follow precautionary measures during Eid al-Fitr, including avoiding family visits and gatherings, wearing face masks, and maintaining physical distancing with elderly people and those with chronic diseases. He also advised the public to exchange Eid greetings with families and friends through electronic means. He urged everyone to avoid giving gifts and food to neighbours as well as Eid presents and cash bonuses to children to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. 

WAM