In a significant move in the fight against Coronavirus, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available at all health centres in the country. The Ministry has confirmed that the vaccine is available for all UAE citizens and residents above 18-year-old, most importantly for elderly people and those suffering from chronic diseases. The decision has been taken by the Ministry as part of its efforts to protect the health and safety of the entire community.

Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for Centres and Health Clinics, explained that the ministry approved the provision of the registered COVID-19 vaccine across its healthcare facilities after it achieved positive results of its efficiency against the disease.

In the inoculation campaign, a major priority is being given to those people who are prone to COVID-19 infections, including elderly citizens and those suffering from chronic diseases. The ministry is keen on providing these people with distinguished services amid the pandemic crisis. Dr Al Rand added that the UAE leadership have been giving them significant attention in view of the ongoing healthcare crisis.

He noted that the UAE leadership is making these efforts in line with its comprehensive national work to protect the health and safety of the community. The government is adopting various innovative treatments, boosting the scope of testing, reinforcing the health sector’s capacity, and ensuring the availability of skilled and efficient medical personnel across various regions in the country.

Speaking about the health system’s efficiency, Dr. Al Rand hailed the UAE's health sector as one of the best in the world that has proactively handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the country’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and vision of its leadership to strengthen its global competitiveness, the sector was able to develop a vaccine to fight COVID-19 in compliance with the strict national standards.

He furthered that the UAE Government for providing the best medical supplies and equipment as well as strategic reserves of medicine in the efforts to combat the pandemic. He highlighted that these resources helped in improving the country’s efficiency to contain the virus spread and protect the health of the people of the country.

It has been reported that the new approved vaccine requires two doses. The first dose will be taken after the patient's health is thoroughly assessed. The second dose will be taken after a period between 21 to 28 days in coordination with the ministry and in cooperation with the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi.

Phase III clinical tests carried out by Sinopharm showed preliminary results that the vaccine helped in achieving immunity against COVID-19 infection. Seroconversion rate was recorded at 99 percent of equivalent antibodies while there was a 100 percent rate of prevention against the disease in moderate or severe cases. At the same time, the data also confirmed that there were no issues with relation to the safety of the vaccine.

WAM