Dubai announces Pfizer vaccine booster for chronically ill

Eligible residents and citizens should consult their doctor about receiving a booster dose

The Dubai Health Authority has urged anyone with a chronic condition that affects their immune system to consult with their doctor about getting a third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Reuters

People suffering from chronic conditions have been advised to get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said that those suffering from conditions such as immune diseases should consult their doctor to see if a third dose was necessary.

The booster is understood to be just for people who had the Sinopharm vaccine a number of months ago.

“It is not necessary for all those who suffer from immune diseases to need a third dose, with the importance of consulting a doctor to determine the extent of their need,” the authority said on its website.

The third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was also recommended by the DHA for those who receive moderate-to-severe immunosuppressive treatments.

This includes recipients of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, organ or stem cell transplant patients, people with severe primary immunodeficiency, patients with advanced or untreated HIV, or people receiving immunosuppressive drugs.

The DHA said the recommendation of a third shot was limited to these groups and is dependent on consultation with a doctor.

Residents and citizens receiving medical treatment outside of the UAE need to get a medical report from their doctor before receiving their third shot.

The DHA confirmed that anyone not receiving these medical treatments does not need a third dose at this time.

Children in Ajman receive the Sinopharm vaccine: in pictures

Dr Fatimah Al Marzouqi sits with Karma Elsawir, 7, at Al Madina clinic in Ajman before the girl was immunised against Covid-19. All photos: Salam Al Amir / The National

Dr Al Marzouqi, who is Ajman’s primary health care director, says no serious side effects of the Sinopharm Covid-19 shot have been reported in children. She urges parents to have their young ones immunised.

Sidrathul Munthaha, 9, from Bangladesh, with her younger brother after they received their first shot of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine.

Karma, who is Egyptian, expresses joy at having her first vaccine dose.