The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued a guidebook on COVID-19 booster doses to raise awareness about the significance of the boosters in fighting the pandemic. The MoHAP has also urged all eligible individuals to take the booster dose six months after they received their second dose.

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Official Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, recently addressed a media briefing of the UAE government. During the briefing, she urged people who took the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to take their booster dose three months after their second dose. Boosters are particularly crucial for vulnerable categories, such as people with chronic diseases and those aged over 50. She also called on people above the age of 16 to take their booster vaccination six months after their second dose.

Furthermore, people aged 18 and above who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine must take their booster doses of the same vaccine at least six months after their second dose.

She also urged people who received other types of COVID-19 vaccines to contact the nearest vaccination centres to learn about the type of booster they should receive as part of the vaccination efforts.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the UAE has been ensuring proactive measures and a distinctive model of flexibility in managing the impact of the health crisis. Dr Al Ghaithi further underlined that federal and local authorities continue to implement required safety measures to maintain the health and safety of the UAE's citizens, residents and visitors.

"The health sector is continuing its drive to achieve acquired immunity by providing vaccines to eligible categories. 100 percent of the population have taken their first vaccine dose, while the rate of fully vaccinated individuals reached 92.31 percent," she added.

She explained that studies have also demonstrated the benefits of vaccine doses and boosters in reducing the rates of hospitalisation and death along with limiting the mutation of the virus into new variants.

"Booster shots are among the key factors that protect public health and ensure public safety, playing a key role in strengthening collective immunity," the UAE official added.

In this regard, she urged eligible individuals to take booster vaccine doses to protect themselves, especially elderly people and those with chronic diseases, and support the national efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus and its variants.

The UAE’s health sector is working in coordination with relevant authorities to closely monitor all developments related to the pandemic. In addition, the health sector is enforcing necessary measures to enhance the community’s safety. "Taking the vaccine does not exempt anyone from complying with relevant precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks, sanitising and respecting social distancing," she underlined.

Meanwhile, community members are urged to continue taking regular COVID-19 PCR tests, particularly before family visits and meeting elderly people. The authorities have also stressed refraining from shaking hands and other forms of physical greetings to limit the spread of the virus. The health authorities have also ensured the transmission of relevant information and updates about COVID-19 safety measures across national media outlets and official social media platforms to reach the maximum audience.

Dr Al Ghaithi has also urged community members to follow official sources for information on COVID-19 updates and avoid rumours and false news.

In conclusion, she highlighted the importance of social responsibility and the paramount role played by the community in preserving the UAE's achievements in the fight against the health crisis by complying with precautionary measures.

WAM