Abu Dhabi launches vaccination drive to reduce new cases

Top health officials encourage people to be immunised to protect themselves and the 'health of the nation'

Powered by automated translation

A campaign is under way across Abu Dhabi to encourage people to have the Covid-19 vaccine.

Called Choose to Vaccinate, the drive aims to reduce infections in the emirate in combination with other precautions such as physical distancing and mandatory face masks.

Any adult in the UAE can be inoculated against the virus, with a handful of exceptions. It is free of charge.

“The approved Covid-19 vaccines are safe and will give recipients the immunity needed to protect themselves,” said Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, undersecretary of Department of Health Abu Dhabi.

“I hope everyone chooses to vaccinate to help get our lives back to normal.”

Abu Dhabi’s robust approach to screening and active tracing has allowed the capital to maintain a low rate of cases with only 0.39 per cent of all tests conducted in the emirate yielding a positive result.

Top health officials encouraged members of the public to protect themselves against Covid-19, saying the vaccine was rigorously tested to ensure it was safe.

“We are proud to have prioritised protecting our community and curbing the spread of the virus, while being active in finding solutions by ... [participating] in clinical trials that have contributed to ensuring a vaccine is now available,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi.

“The vaccines have undergone rigorous trials to ensure their safety, efficacy and quality. I hope you choose to vaccinate to protect your health and the health of our nation.”

Immunisation through vaccination is the safest and most effective way to curb the spread of Covid-19. Vaccinations strengthen the body’s natural immunity to disease and save millions of lives each year.

“Covid-19 will not disappear unless we fight back and the most effective way to do that is with vaccines,” said Matar Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.

“I hope everyone chooses to vaccinate, to break the infection chain and be a part of victory against this pandemic.”

To learn more about the immunisation campaign, visit doh.gov.ae or ring Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company on 800 50.