VPS Healthcare said that 18 private hospitals and clinics under it are gearing up to administer 5000 vaccines per day as the UAE is beginning to inoculate its population with the vaccine. VPS Healthcare was selected to help distribution of China’s Sinopharm vaccine.

UAE has committed to make all its citizens and residents available with Covid-19 vaccine free of cost. Emirati authorities had announced the approval of Sinopharm vaccine after it was deemed to have 86% efficacy during phase 3 trials which was carried out in the UAE and many other nations.

Vaccines will be delivered at VPS Healthcare’s clinics in Abu Dhabi, Mussaffah, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. VPS Healthcare runs hospitals under the Burjeel and Medeor brands.

Dr Nabil Debouni, group medical director said, “All 18 of VPS's hospitals and clinics are ready to welcome residents wishing to take the vaccine. We have a robust infrastructure that will deliver 5,000 vaccinations a day, and we will continue to invest and develop that capacity.”

Health authorities have released a list of facilities where people can receive the vaccinations. The Sinopharm vaccine is available at all clinics which are run by SEHA, Abu Dhabi's public health operator, including in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

On Saturday, the first day of vaccination campaign, VPS Healthcare witnessed numerous inquiries along with long ques outside their centres for vaccination.

Dr Pankaj Chawla, Covid-19 vaccination task force lead, said, “More registrations are coming and slots are being allotted. We have made special arrangements at our hospitals and clinics to facilitate the vaccine drive.”

Each vaccination will take 15 minutes, and after that the person will be under observation for 30 minutes.

To register, people can call a helpline number or send a WhatsApp message and give their name, gender, age, nationality, employer, Emirates ID and preferred location to be vaccinated. Bookings can be made by calling 800 5546, sending a WhatsApp to 056 538 0055 or visiting www.covidvaccineuae.com.

In Dubai, people can get vaccinated at Dubai Parks and Resorts field hospital near Jebel Ali.

In Sharjah, vaccine is available at Wasit Medical Centre in Sharjah from 4pm to 9pm.

In Ajman, people can visit Al Humaidiya Centre from 9am to 12.30pm and from 5pm to 8.30pm.

Al Bait Metwahid centre in Umm Al Quwain and Murashied Medical Centre in Fujairah have the Covid-19 vaccine in stock for the public.