The UAE has launched the COVID-19 vaccination campaign across the country in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These authorities are continuously raising awareness among the public about the need for getting vaccinated and how the vaccines work to enhance immunity against the virus. 

Here is a list of frequently asked questions and their answers for better awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated:

Is COVID-19 vaccination optional or compulsory?

COVID-19 vaccination is optional for all members of the community. 

What is the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is free of cost.

Where can I get the vaccine?

UAE authorities are providing the vaccine across the country at various medical health centers operated by MOHAP, SEHA, and DHA.

How can I book an appointment?

• An individual is required to call the hotline of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (800 11111) to book an appointment. 
• To book an appointment with SEHA, an individual can download the SEHA app, available on Apple and Android mobile stores. In the app, they can select the location they wish to receive the vaccine and provide their Emirates ID details to book the appointment. 
• To book an appointment with DHA, people can either download the DHA app, available for Apple and Android devices or call the DHA hotline on 800 342.
• All appointments are booked subject to availability.

Who can take the vaccine?

All UAE residents can get the COVID-19 vaccine from MOHAP centers after booking an appointment.

Significantly, DHA has been targeting vulnerable sections of society in the initial phase of the drive. According to an announcement on March 2, these are the vulnerable categories that can book an appointment for vaccination at the DHA Centre:

• All Emiratis
• Dubai residence visa holders within the ‘People of determination’ category
• All Dubai residence visa holders who are above the age of 40.
• Dubai residence visa holders who suffer from chronic diseases
• Elderly residents who are 60 years and above and live in Dubai. Furthermore, elderly residents aged 60 and above with a valid visa issued in any Emirate can register for an appointment, provided they have proof of residing in Dubai.
• GCC country nationals who carry an Emirates ID.

Vaccination services are available on an appointment basis only. At the same time, people in these categories can get vaccinated according to the schedule of their workplace with the DHA:

• Frontliners
• Vital sector workers

Why do I need to take two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

MOHAP has maintained that the second dose of vaccine is important for better results against COVID-19. In an awareness post on social media, the ministry has stated that vaccines activate two types of cells, but they are short-lived. Active cells for a short time will not give you adequate protection. Therefore, it is important to take the second dose to better tackle the disease. 

Can I skip the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

MOHAP has underlined that the second dose of the vaccine is a tool to expose the body again to antigens (molecules) that exist in the disease and trigger an immune response to fight the virus. 

Are there any side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

UAE’s health authorities have shared the details of any side effects people can expect after receiving the vaccine. Some of them include:

• Fatigue and headaches
• Fever
• Pain
• Swelling or redness at the site of the injection
• Joint pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Shivering
• Muscle pain

What do I do if there are side effects?

DHA has advised people to follow these steps if they experience side effects:

• Take paracetamol for mild and moderate side effects
• Use a cold compress to relieve pain at the injection site
• If mild and moderate symptoms persist for longer or severe symptoms despite taking paracetamol, people must follow these measures:
• Book a telemedicine appointment with the Doctor For Every Citizen initiative. People can book the appointment by using the DHA app or by contacting the DHA’s toll-free number 800 342 (Choose “COVID-19 Vaccine” from the main list and then click on number 3).
• For emergencies, head to the nearest health center or hospital.

General tips after taking the vaccine from DHA:

• Be aware of any side effects
• Comply with the instructions issued by your doctor
• Ensure not to skip the appointment for the second dose of the vaccination. It is important to make the vaccine effective and provide necessary protection against the disease.

Am I exempt from taking a PCR test for travel purposes or pre-surgical procedures in Dubai if I have taken the COVID-19 vaccine?

No, you are not exempt. As of now, all people are required to follow COVID-19 policies and regulations including testing and screening in Dubai as the DHA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Guide.

Can I take the vaccine before I travel, or could it lead to a positive PCR test result?

Addressing a press briefing on March 2, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Department Manager Communicable Diseases in Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and Official Spokesperson for the Health Sector in the UAE, noted that the vaccine is safe and effected, adding that it does not contain the active virus that can reinfect an individual.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for the elderly in particular, to raise immunity and reduce the chances of complications,” Dr. Farida had said.

Do I need a COVID-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi if I have taken the vaccine?

According to the entry guidelines issued by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, people are required to present either of the two negative tests, no more than 48 hours before the time of entry:

1. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also known as the swab test

2. A Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test, also known as a laser test.

However, exemptions have been made for people who are vaccinated and have the ‘star’ or ‘E’ status on their Alhosn app.

People can know more about how the vaccinated status can remain active on the Alhosn app.

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

In its COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Guide, DHA has maintained that it is too early to determine the duration of the effectiveness of the vaccine. It added that more research and information in this regard will be provided once it is available.

I may not be available for the second dose, can the appointment be changed to another day?

MOHAP has said that it is important to keep a record of the appointment for the second dose and to ensure people adhere to the date in order to attain the required level of immunity and receive maximum benefit from the vaccine. Therefore, it is recommended to take the second dose at the same vaccination site where the first dose was taken.

Is it possible to take the second dose of the vaccine from another manufacturer?

MOHAP has noted that both the doses of the vaccine must be taken from the same manufacturer to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness.

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

In this regard, Dr. Farida Al Hosani has said that COVID-19 vaccines do not completely eliminate the possibility of infection, but can significantly reduce the risk of infection and transmission. She added that vaccines can reduce severe complications resulting from the virus. Therefore, she has asserted that a small percentage of people may still get infected without experiencing any symptoms or with mild symptoms. Therefore, she has called for the need of complying with precautionary measures such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing even after taking both doses of the vaccine.

If someone has taken any other vaccine other than the COVID-19 vaccine (for example, the influenza vaccine), is it safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

In its Vaccine Awareness Guide, the DHA has said that people can take the COVID-19 vaccine. But it is recommended to wait for more than four weeks after the influenza vaccine before taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is one COVID-19 vaccine better than another?

UAE authorities have said that there are multiple vaccines approved by the government and all are effective against the COVID-19 virus

Which vaccines are available in the UAE?

There are four vaccines in the UAE for use on eligible individuals against the COVID-19 infection, including China's Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik V, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Oxford-AstraZeneca.

I might not be in Dubai to take my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Can I reschedule my vaccine for another day?

DHA Vaccine Awareness Guide has strongly recommended people complete the vaccine course and comply with the scheduled time to ensure that the maximum benefit of the vaccine is achieved. 

Am I exempt from taking a PCR test for travel purposes or pre-surgical procedures in Dubai if I have taken the COVID-19 vaccine?

The DHA has noted people are not exempted from taking the test. As of now, everyone is required to follow COVID-19 testing and screening related policies and regulations in Dubai.

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

All the health authorities across the UAE have urged people to continue adherence with COVID-19 precautions, even after receiving the vaccine. 

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

The DHA Vaccine Awareness Guide has noted that it is safe for people with chronic diseases to take the vaccine as it is safe and effective. It has been observed that people with chronic diseases are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 complications, therefore they must take the vaccine. They can consult their family physician about any specific contraindication of taking the vaccine.

I am on multiple medications, is it safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

The DHA has affirmed that people can consult their family physician for guidance on the safety of taking the vaccine. "Provide your physician with your detailed medical history and list of medications. In addition, please make sure you inform your physician if you are allergic to any drugs or have any other allergies," the DHA said in its vaccination guide. 

 I got a COVID-19 infection after the first dose of the vaccine. What should I do?

The authorities have noted that if people are infected by the virus after the first dose, they need to go through the recovery process and then go under the immunity test to check in case there is a need for a second dose or not.

Speaking to media, Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion and Education at DHA, said that if a person is infected with COVID-19 after taking the Pfizer-BioNtech, Sinopharm, or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and is asymptomatic or has mild COVID-19 symptoms, then he/she must complete the full isolation period (minimum ten days or longer depending upon their condition). They can take the second dose of the vaccine if they do not have any symptoms.

"Even if they need to delay the second dose by a few days due to their illness, it is fine as long as they take the second dose. They should opt for the second dose of the vaccine only after their doctor’s approval," she added. 

For people who had to be admitted to a hospital for COVID-19 or had moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection, they must consult their medical team in order to take the second dose of the vaccine.

Where can I get an immunity test? Read our detailed guide here.

According to the updated guidelines of the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Committee and Department of Health, the symbols are only visible on the AlHosn app, if a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is taken every seven days. In order to retain the vaccination notification on the AlHosn application, people who are vaccinated or volunteering in the National Vaccination Programme are required to be tested weekly. The status is valid for seven days at a time.