Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in coordination with Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre announced the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. If you would like to get vaccinated, here is all you need to know about the vaccine in Dubai.
Which vaccine is available?
In the vaccination campaign, which started on December 23, DHA will be providing the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccination, which has recently been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration and registered by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Where can you go to get the vaccine shot?
The vaccinations will be available at six DHA health facilities:
1. Zabeel Primary Health Care Centre
2. Al Mizhar Primary Health Care Centre
3. Nad Al Hamr Primary Health Care Centre
4. Barsha Primary Health Care Centre
5. Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre
6. Hatta Hospital
How to book an appointment
UAE residents can register and book appointments for vaccination through the DHA app or the DHA’s toll-free number 800 342. However, you would need to fall under the category of individuals targeted in Phase 1 of the vaccine roll out.
On the DHA’s hotline, applicants are informed that the first phase of the vaccine is only for the following categories:
1. Emiratis and Dubai residents aged 60 years and above
2. People with chronic diseases 18 years and above and people of determination
3. Frontline workers
While making the appointment, DHA informs applicants that the next phase of the vaccine roll-out, where members of the public can register, will be announced at a later date.
Is the vaccine mandatory?
Responding to some frequently asked questions, the Dubai Media Office provided the following information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Is the vaccine voluntary or compulsory in Dubai?
The vaccination is voluntary for all residents and citizens.
Can a person who was infected with COVID-19 take the vaccine?
Yes, but he/she will need to take the vaccination after three months from the date of infection.
If someone has taken any other vaccine other than the COVID-19 vaccine (for example, the influenza vaccine), is it safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, but you need to wait for more than four weeks after the influenza vaccine to be able to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Am I exempt from taking a PCR test for travel purposes or for pre-surgical procedures in Dubai if I have taken the COVID-19 vaccine?
No, you are not exempt. For the time being, everyone is required to follow policies and regulations that are related to COVID-19 testing and screening in Dubai.
Can I stop wearing a face mask after taking the COVID-19 vaccine?
Everyone is required to follow all the precautionary measures set, including wearing a face mask after taking the COVID-19 vaccine.