The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched Phase III clinical trials of the Russian adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccine (Sputnik V). The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA, is taking care of all medical protocols of the clinical trials to maintain the highest international standards.

Volunteers in Abu Dhabi have started participating in the clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of now, the trial is open to 500 volunteers in the emirate. Reportedly, the vaccine is currently being tested on healthy adults above the age of 18 years from various nationalities living in Abu Dhabi. It has been ensured that these volunteers have not been previously infected with Coronavirus, have not suffered any communicable or respiratory disease in the past 14 days, and have not participated in any other COVID-19 vaccination trial in the recent weeks.

The volunteers will be provided with two doses of the vaccine that will be administered 20 days apart. In accordance with the highest international standards, volunteers will be constantly monitored through regular visits and teleconsultations for at least 180 days after taking the vaccine.

Trials are being carried out at the Tawam Hospital in Al Ain under the Vaccine for Victory campaign of Abu Dhabi. The programme is being conducted under the clinical supervision of Consultant Physician (Infectious Diseases) Dr. Ahmed Al Hammadi.

Volunteers from Abu Dhabi can participate in the clinical trials by registering at www.v4v.ae. Authorities will contact the registered individuals to arrange an eligibility screening before they begin the trials for COVID-19 vaccine.

Medical journal The Lancet published the results from the first two phases of the clinical trials of the vaccine. According to the report, volunteers achieved a stable humoral and cellular immune response against the disease and no serious adverse events were recorded.

The Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine are taking place in the UAE in line with the trials that are currently taking place in Russia and other parts of the world. The COVID-19 vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

WAM