In December 2020, the UAE emerged as one of the first countries in the world to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect its citizens and residents from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a key milestone in the ongoing fight against the pandemic, the UAE offered the COVID-19 vaccine for free to everyone.

People of all nationalities are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at dedicated medical centres across the UAE. Filipina Sheera Espino is one such lucky resident who received the vaccine at a dedicated facility located in a shopping centre in Abu Dhabi. She expressed happiness and enthusiasm after getting vaccinated with the first dose without any complications.

Espino considers herself lucky to be living in the UAE amid the pandemic crisis such that she received all protection and support from the authorities during the tough circumstances. Significantly, she received the vaccine free of charge and in record time than other countries across the world.

Standing next to Espino, Ugandan Rebecca Namakula received her second dose of the Coronavirus vaccine. After getting the vaccine shot, Namakula hailed the efforts made by the UAE authorities in providing immunization to all people across the country. She also praised the excellent organisation of the vaccination campaign which involved simple and easy procedures. In line with the keenness of the UAE's leadership to vaccinate the entire community, Namakula stated that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine across various centres in the country is worth everyone’s appreciation.

After receiving the vaccine, Adan Elmida from Spain appreciated the UAE's ethical values, stating that there is no discrimination between citizens and residents.

The UAE is working on immunising at least 50 percent of its residents against COVID-19 by the end of March 2021. In this regard, authorities have made sure that the vaccine is available across hundreds of public and private health facilities and drive-through vaccination centres.

Significantly, the UAE is leading in terms of its vaccine distribution at both regional and global levels. As of now, almost 3.5 million people have received their vaccines across the country. It is important to note that the UAE authorities have approved three Coronavirus vaccines currently - Sinopharm, Pfizer vaccine and Sputnik V vaccines.

WAM