UAE making 'rapid recovery' as public back Covid vaccination and testing

Health sector spokeswoman Dr Farida Al Hosani says country has one of world's lowest death rates from the virus

The UAE continues to distribute vaccines at a rapid pace. AFP

Dubai residents waiting to receive their first dose of Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine in Jebel Ali. Pawan Singh / The National

The Emirates Group launched a Covid-19 vaccination programme for staff in the UAE in January. Photo: The Emirates Group

Khalifa bin Dary, executive director of Dubai Ambulance Services Corporation, receives his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Abdullah Al Falasi, director general of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, receives his first dose. Photo: Dubai Media Office

A billboard on Sheikh Zayed Road thanks volunteers for the Covid-19 vaccine trials being conducted in the UAE. Antonie Robertson / The National

A woman receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at Zabeel Health Centre. EPA

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The UAE is making a "rapid recovery" from the Covid-19 pandemic as intensive vaccination and testing campaigns help to reduce infections to their lowest levels in a year.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector, said the country's death rates from the virus were among the lowest in the world.

During the UAE's weekly coronavirus briefing, she said a high uptake of vaccines and rigorous screening, combined with public support for safety measures, were helping to guide the country back towards normality.

Dr Hosani said new global statistics demonstrated that the Emirates was leading the way in safeguarding the health of the public.

Figures from Our World in Data - a respected international data index - ranked the UAE first for the percentage of its population to have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, at 81.55 per cent.

According to the statistics the Emirates was placed first for doses administered per 100 people.

The UAE has the fifth lowest Covid-19 death rate in the world, according to the data.

It came in third for the number of PCR tests conducted per 1,000 people.

"The UAE is experiencing a rapid recovery from the pandemic," said Dr Al Hosani.

"We see the fruit of these efforts through the results and data that indicate a significant decrease in the incidence of Covid-19 in the country, as it has decreased by 60 per cent compared to last August, thus registering the lowest percentage in the number of infections in a year."

Booster shots bolster immunity

Dr Al Hosani urged members of the public eligible for a third dose of a vaccine - given six months after the second shot - to receive it.

She said the introduction of the booster doses had helped to reduce daily case numbers.

"These doses greatly enhanced immunity, thus reducing the number of cases we are witnessing at the present time," she said.

"We recommend that individuals who are eligible for the booster dose be sure to take it on time."

Call for public to receive flu jab

Dubai began a vaccination campaign before the flu season. All photos by Nick Webster / The National

The Ministry of Health and Prevention is encouraging people in vulnerable groups to take the flu vaccine this winter free of charge.

People obtain flu vaccine shots in Dubai.

Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone above the age of six months.

Dr Al Hosani stressed the importance of taking the flu jab, particularly for children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.

"We recommend that members of the community take the seasonal influenza vaccination, and we also remind you of the importance of taking the initiative to vaccinate against Covid-19. The recommended interval between influenza vaccination and Covid-19 vaccination is two weeks," she said.

"The seasonal flu season coincides with a pandemic. The symptoms of both diseases are very similar."

Public praised for support

The senior health official hailed the public for their role in reducing infection rates by adhering to safety measures and backing the country's vaccination strategy.

"The commitment of the public to all precautionary measures reflects our care for ourselves, our loved ones and our society," she said.

"It is of the utmost important to protect ourselves against the spread of Covid 19.

"We appreciate your commitment and awareness in the past period."

The UAE reported 322 new coronavirus cases and 399 recoveries on Tuesday.

Daily infections peaked at close to 4,000 in early February.