The UAE is considering imposing restrictions on the movement of residents who have not received the COVID-19 vaccines despite being eligible for the immunisation. Authorities are considering restricting their entry into certain places and access to a few services as precautionary measures.

On Tuesday, a top National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) official addressed a COVID-19 briefing, asserting that avoiding or delaying the intake of COVID-19 vaccines can pose a threat to society's safety. It can put all groups, especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, at risk, the official added.

Addressing the briefing, NCEMA spokesperson Saif Al Dhaheri urged all citizens and expats aged 16 years and above to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Your hesitation today can put your family, loved ones and community at risk. Receiving the vaccine will contribute to immunising and protecting the community from this pandemic," he said.

The official further called on individuals with medical conditions to consult a specialist doctor to ascertain if they are eligible to receive the vaccine. He noted that getting the vaccine would not only protect them from the new COVID-19 strain, but others as well.

"The aim now is to reach herd immunity and the focus in the coming period will be to vaccinate everyone. The effectiveness of the vaccine ranges from very good to excellent," Al Dhaheri added.

As per a recent study conducted in Abu Dhabi, no deaths have been reported in those residents who contracted COVID-19 even after receiving both doses of the vaccine.

Significantly, the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in preventing hospitalisation is 93 percent while reducing the need for ICU is 95 percent.