Dubai opens seventh clinic for Covid-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shots

The centrally located Al Safa health centre was added to accommodate significant demand

Al Safa healthcare centre is close to Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai. Courtesy: Dubai Health Authority 

Dubai's health authority will offer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at a seventh clinic to manage public demand.

Al Safa Primary Healthcare Centre, near Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai, was added to accommodate the "notable turnout" for inoculation campaign, officials said.

Doses are initially available to people aged over 60, those with chronic diseases, people with disabilities, frontline workers and people in essential sectors.

From April, the vaccine will be given to all age groups, officials said earlier this month.

Officials hope to vaccinate 70 per cent of the population by later this year as part of efforts to achieve 'herd immunity'.

The vaccine, which was found to be 95 per cent effective in late-stage trials, is administered for free on a voluntary basis.

UAE residents can register and book appointments for the vaccination through the DHA app or the DHA’s free number 800 342.

The Sinopharm vaccine, which was found to be 79 per cent effective at preventing Covid-19, is available across all health centres.

As The National reported last week, there are plans to manufacture China's Sinopharm vaccine, which is available across the seven emirates, in the UAE later this year.

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