Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for the health centres and clinics sector has announced that many hospitals and centres will offer free Covid-19 vaccine to everyone with no requirement of prior appointment.

The free Covid-19 vaccine is offered in government centres including Al Bait Metwahid in Umm Al Quwain, Expo Centre and Al Bait Metwahid of Idhn in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Bait Metwahid and Indian Association in Ajman.

The announcement was made during a telephone conversation with the Direct Line programme broadcast live on Sharjah Radio and TV.

He added that private hospitals will also extend cooperation to provide free vaccine to Emiratis and expatriates. He further said that in Sharjah, vaccination is provided at Al Zahra Hospital, Zulekha Hospital, Central Hospital, Saudi German Hospital, Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Prime Medical Centre and Thumbay Hospital, while in Ajman, it is offered in Amina Hospital and Saudi German Hospital.

Al Rand said, “The health situation in the UAE is reassuring, and we call on everyone to abide by the instructions and precautionary measures. Our wise leadership has provided us with the vaccine in all centres and it is provided for free to everyone, both Emiratis and expatriates, even if they do not have health cards, and there is no need for prior appointments.”

“The vaccine consists of two doses, the first when one visits the facility and the second after 21 to 28 days. The vaccine is secure and is offered to age groups from 18 years and above. There are doctors in the centres who examine visitors to make sure that the vaccine is suitable for them,” he added.

He further noted that the vaccine is not advisable for pregnant and lactating women. He added that the ministry responds to all public enquiries through its hotline 80011111. “There are no serious side effects of the vaccine, and the symptoms that occur on the first day only are natural and similar to those of any vaccine,” he said.

The ministry had earlier announced that the Covid-19 vaccine will be offered in all UAE’s health centres to all Emiratis and expatas aged over 18 years, particularly the elderly and those with history of chronic diseases.