The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the vaccination drive for children aged 5 to 11 with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. According to a statement issued by the ministry, the vaccine will be administered in two doses, with the second being given three weeks after the first.

The ministry has affirmed that the vaccine is not mandatory and voluntary for children in the eligible age group. The statement further noted the decision to administer COVID-19 vaccination to children over the age of 5 has been taken on the basis of "clinical evidence and strict evaluation followed globally and locally”.

The ministry has stressed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine against the COVID-19 pandemic. It said that it is “one of the best tools to protect society and help boost immunity, prevent complications, and limit the need for hospitalisation, especially in light of the new variants”.

Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary of Public Health Sector, noted that clinical trials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have confirmed the safety and effectiveness for children.

"For several decades, children around the globe have been receiving vaccines against various diseases and viruses, and Covid-19 vaccines, including Pfizer, are no different," he added.

In conclusion, Al Rand called on all parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 with the aim of enhancing their protection from infection.

“Vaccinating children will protect them and preserve the health of those around them, especially the elderly, as well as achieve the herd immunity necessary to limit the spread of the virus," he said.

Earlier, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) affirmed that vaccination for children is optional and will be determined on parental consent. Parents are required to accompany their children to the vaccination centres during the process.