Cabinet minister Mohammed Al Gergawi receives Covid-19 vaccine

The jab was approved for limited use in the UAE in September

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Mohammed Al Gergawi became the latest minister to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, on Saturday.

The UAE Government’s Twitter account shared a picture of the Minister of Cabinet Affairs receiving the injection, manufactured by the Chinese drug maker Sinopharm.

“Mr Al Gergawi has emphasised the role of the health sector and medical personnel and their contributions to support the country's efforts to address the pandemic,” said the post.

The jab has been administered to frontline medical workers, senior officials and some members of the Cabinet since receiving approval for limited use in the UAE in September.

On Sunday, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, president of the UAE Football Association and a member of Ajman's ruling family, also received the vaccine, state news agency Wam reported.

He said he looked forward to "victory over the virus"

Other ministers to have received the vaccine include Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Tolerance, among others.

Overall around 31,000 volunteers have taken part in Phase-3 of the UAE trial, which was extended to Jordan and Bahrain in limited numbers.

The UAE was chosen to conduct the study as it is home to over 200 nationalities, giving an insight into how multiple ethnicities respond.

The trial began here in July and is now in its final stages.

Another study to test a Covid-19 vaccine developed in Russia is due to get under way soon.

Russia has said it intends to reveal the results for the vaccine, which has also received limited approval, in late November.

In total, six vaccines across the world have now achieved limited approval status, which will be followed by full approval if they are deemed to be safe and effective.