UAE doctors have stated that a significant rise in demand for COVID-19 booster vaccines is being witnessed across the country amid surge in infections. 

Earlier this week, the UAE's daily COVID-19 infections crossed the 1,000-mark for the first time in four months. Even as cases have surged in recent days, UAE's hospitalisation rates remain low, government spokesperson Dr Noura Al Ghaithi announced during a media briefing earlier this week.

Meanwhile, doctors have urged all eligible community members to receive their vaccine booster doses to enhance protection against COVID-19 infection. 

Dr Kiran Kumar, internal medicine specialist at Thumbay Hospital Ajman, explained the importance of vaccine booster doses.

According to studies, vaccine booster enhances the immunity/antibody levels manifold against COVID-19. He further stated that relevant laboratory data has revealed that booster doses of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine produce virus-fighting antibodies which are effective in combating Omicron variant. 

Dr Adel Al Sis, chief medical officer, consultant and head of intensive care unit at Prime Hospital, also affirmed the importance of getting booster vaccine doses, noting that the UAE has achieved a 100 percent vaccination rate for all eligible people. 

"Vaccination is very important. Earlier, there were many critical cases of COVID-19. But now, it has seen a sharp drop due to vaccination campaigns," he added.

Dr Shipra Rai, internal medicine specialist at Prime Medical Centre Sharjah, highlighted that boosters are important because it has been observed that COVID-19 immunity tends to decline a few months after vaccination. Therefore, booster vaccination is critical to maintain immunity against COVID-19 among the people. 

Dr Kumar underscored that while antibody levels naturally drop with time, booster vaccine doses can crucially help in raising the immunity levels against the virus.

"Laboratory studies have shown that antibodies can increase by up to 25 times for Pfizer’s additional dose and 37 times for Moderna booster dose. We, however, do not know how much of the antibody is protective and for how long the protection will last," the health professional added. 

Along with the vaccination, UAE doctors have also called on the public to continue compliance with COVID-19 precautions such as social distancing protocols, wearing masks, avoiding crowds and frequent washing of hands.