A recent study has indicated that people vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to experience stress. Significantly, UAE doctors and residents have expressed their agreement with the findings of the study.

Published in PLOS Journal, the research has been conducted by the University of Southern California. It has underlined the positive mental health effects among people inoculated with both doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Speaking about the study, Dr Arun Kumar K, specialist psychiatrist at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai, affirmed that vaccinated people are less likely to worry about getting infected which helps them in actively carrying out social interactions, office work and travel options. He explained that the study was conducted on 8,003 individuals in the US, resulting that people experience reduced mental distress after receiving both vaccine doses.

Dr Laila Mohamadien, specialist psychiatric at Medcare Hospital, pointed out that a stronger immunity can also facilitate reduced stress among vaccinated individuals.

“The idea of being immune reduces the rate of anxiety, excessive worry about getting infected, make social contact more at ease and hence, reduces isolation, making one socially active,” Dr Laila said.

UAE healthcare specialists have noted that positive psychological effects of the vaccine are expected to show between two weeks to one month after receiving the second dose. Furthermore, the first dose helps in minimizing the rate of stress and anxiety by offering the hope of immunity against COVID-19.

In addition, residents have confirmed to the positive mental benefits of the vaccine.

Aathar Mohammed, a Moroccan expat and businessman living in Deira, highlighted that his mental pressure essentially decreased after receiving the vaccine. He added that the vaccination gave him a sense of relief of being immune against complications.

Suhail Pehlawan Nuristhani, an Afghani expat and a dry fruit merchant in Al Ras, said that vaccination allows people to perform daily activities without any hindrance. He lauded the UAE authorities to ensure all possible in vaccinating all community members in the country.

"All I understand is if I am COVID-19 positive, I will not have much complication, which makes me feel secured and safe,” he said.

In this regard, healthcare specialists have called on all residents to protect themselves from COVID-19 by complying with precautionary measures and getting themselves vaccinating at relevant medical centres.

Khaleej Times