The UAE government has called on all parents to ensure that their children, eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, are inoculated against the disease with the aim of supporting the ongoing national vaccination drive. It will further help in achieving herd immunity and swift resumption of in-person learning in schools.

During a recent UAE government media briefing, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the state health sector, lauded the public for their significant support towards the mass vaccination campaign. Dr. Al Hosani noted that more than 11.5 million vaccine doses have been administered in the country since the launch of the campaign in December 2020. This has helped in reducing the number of infected people requiring hospital treatment.

She further underlined that a third booster dose of the Sinopharm vaccine would be given to those people who received their second dose of the vaccine over six months ago.

The UAE authorities approved the Sinopharm vaccine for general public use on December 9, indicating that there are many people eligible for an extra dose of the vaccine starting from June end. Notably, the health sector will give priority to the elderly and people with chronic illnesses in the campaign.

“As part of the state’s proactive strategy to provide maximum protection for society, the door has been opened for the public to receive an additional supportive dose of Sinopharm vaccine for people who have received the vaccine previously and who have completed more than six months on the second dose,” Dr. Al Hosani said.

In March, Walid Zaher, chief research officer of G42 Healthcare, affirmed that third vaccine doses were given to those people whose immune systems were found non-responsive to the vaccine. According to Dr. Zaher, some people did not develop enough antibodies to safeguard themselves from the COVID-19 virus - a factor expected to be seen in all vaccines.

Therefore, he stressed there are a few people who required a booster dose of the vaccine.

Dr. Al Hosani also called on all adolescents to receive the vaccine in order to fight the virus. Last week, the UAE approved the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children between the age of 12-15 years. According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, approval was given to the vaccine after carrying out successful clinical trials and assessments of the vaccine. Dr. Al Hosani affirmed that it was a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic and protect those age groups.

"Expanding vaccine coverage allows us to provide vaccines to the biggest proportion of the population in order to reach herd immunity. It is important as children go back to the schools," she said.

She reassured the parents that the vaccine will help in keeping everyone safe and protecting the health of children.

“It will reduce the burden on parents who have children learning online," she added.

Dr. Al Hosani further stated that 73.88 percent of all eligible groups aged 16 and above have received the vaccine, with the number increasing more than 80 percent for people above the age of 60. After analysing the data, the UAE authorities have observed a decline in hospitalisations, fewer days of treatment as well as lesser use of ventilators.

“It has expedited the recovery pace and limited the spread of the virus," the senior official added.

As per the latest data, the authorities have witnessed a significant decline in the COVID-19 infection rates and fatalities. With this development, UAE authorities have gradually started easing restrictions across the emirates.

On Monday, Dubai allowed live entertainment events and activities in cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls for a trial period of one month, which can be extended depending on the compliance with COVID-19 procedures.

As per the revised protocols, entertainment venues can allow a maximum capacity of 70 percent, while hotels can increase their occupancy to 100 percent. Restaurants can also resume brunches and allow at least 10 diners to sit at one table.

Moreover, music concerts, spectator events, community sports events, and social and institutional events have also been allowed in Dubai on the condition that all participants, audience members, and staff have received the COVID-19 vaccines to protect the public.

Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi allowed quarantine-free travel for international travellers with effect from July 1.

Notably, a successful nationwide vaccination drive has helped in gradual and safe lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and return to normalcy in the country.