Live updates: follow the latest news on Covid-19 variant Omicron
UAE authorities have said that a third Covid-19 vaccine shot is necessary to ensure the well-being of residents as countries around the globe are hit by new waves of the virus.
A booster shot can be taken by people who were vaccinated against coronavirus more than six months ago and all adults are eligible for a third shot.
People who took two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V can book a third shot over the phone or via the mobile app of the Dubai Health Authority.
On December 27, the UAE also approved a new Sinopharm vaccine to be used as a booster in emergency cases.
The new “recombinant protein-based vaccine” would be used as a booster for those who previously received two doses of the inactive Sinopharm vaccine.
DHA call centre staff confirmed appointments for staff from The National who received Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines earlier this year. Each was told they would be given Pfizer boosters, regardless of their original dose.
UAE residents vaccinated with AstraZeneca were previously unable to make a booking. The small number of residents who took the Russian-made Sputnik V have been encouraged to book an appointment.
Boosters are important in fighting the Omicron variant, a coronavirus strain with an unusually large number of mutations. It was first detected in South Africa but has since spread around the world.
According to the World Health Organisation, the latest variant is a major genetic mutation that affects characteristics of the virus to make it spread faster.
The highly contagious strain is driving record-high infections but also appears to be a less severe form of the disease.
According to preliminary findings, the key weapon to stop the spread is delivering booster shots to as many people as possible.
How do I make a booking for a booster?
Appointments must be made either through the DHA app or by reaching the call centre on 800342.
Residents can use the app to choose a day, time and location for a booster.
Who is eligible?
Anyone above 18 who has received their second vaccination at least six months ago
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
An Emirates ID is required by all while Dubai visa holders must also bring their passport and Dubai visa copy.
Those living in Dubai but with a UAE residence visa issued elsewhere must also bring proof of residence.
Do I need a medical record number?
Yes. This can be generated on the DHA website by entering your Emirates ID number. This link is https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/pages/mrn.aspx.
Where can I receive a booster shot?
These are the clinics that offer the vaccine:
- Al Barsha Health Centre
- Al Garhoud Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Mizhar Primary Healthcare Centre
- Nadd Al Hamar Primary Healthcare Centre
- Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre
- Hatta Hospital
- Dubai Hospital
- Latifa Hospital
- One Central Covid-19 vaccination Centre
- Rashid Hospital
- Zabeel Clinic
Private hospitals
- Al Garhoud Hospital
- Aster Healthcare
- Al Zahra Hospital
- King's College Hospital London
- Saudi German Hospital
- Health Hub facilities
- Emirate Hospital
- Mediclinic
- Valiant Clinic
- Fakeeh University Hospital
- International Modern Hospital
- NMC Royal Hospital
- American Hospital Dubai
- Al Tadawi
- Zulekha Hospital
- Prime Group
- Canadian Hospital
Do I need a booster to travel?
Not yet, but that is expected to change in early 2022 as more countries change their policy regarding what it means to be fully vaccinated to include a third booster.
A recommendation in the EU could place a nine-month time limit on vaccine validity due to scientific research that shows immunity declines after six months.
