Dubai vaccine: How to book Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinopharm shots

All people over 40 are encouraged to come forward – and many younger residents can now book and be immunised

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  A Dubai ambulance worker is vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in Dubai.

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  An older resident receives her first shot at Zabeel Health Centre on December 27, 2020.

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  The vaccine is expected to be rolled out to all age groups once people in the essential categories have been vaccinated.

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  A nurse holds a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was approved for use by Dubai's emergency and crisis authority and the federal Ministry of Health.

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  An employee from Roads and Transport Authority receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai.

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  A woman receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

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  The city has six vaccine centres where the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is available.

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  A man waits to receive the first of two doses at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

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  A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

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  A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

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  A vial of the vaccine is seen at Barsha Health Centre. AFP

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  A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at al-Barsha Health Centre in Dubai. AFP

Health officials in Dubai have encouraged people to book Covid-19 vaccinations throughout the month of Ramadan, as the national campaign continues.

Residents over 40 were allowed to book appointments via the Dubai Health Authority mobile app in March as the eligibility requirements were relaxed.

With main priority groups already immunised against Covid-19, including front-line workers, those over 60 and those with existing health conditions, the DHA expanded its vaccination programme.

Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinopharm shots are being delivered at various health clinics.

How to book the vaccine

People can reserve an appointment through the DHA smartphone app or through the contact centre on 800 342. The app is available for iPhone here and for Android phones here.

Once registered, you will receive a text message on the process ahead.

If you meet the criteria of the vaccination programme, according to age and vulnerability to the virus, you will be sent an electronic consent form to sign.

On arrival at the health centre or vaccination clinic, your vital signs will be checked.

The first dose of the vaccine will be administered but you will then have to wait 20 minutes to check there are no adverse side effects.

To complete the first stage you will be sent a vaccination certificate via text message to your phone and an appointment date for your second dose, usually 21 days later, depending on which vaccine you have.

Which vaccine will I get - and can I choose?

This will largely depend on existing supplies. While information on what vaccines were being delivered at what times was not available, three are fully approved.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available at seven Dubai Health Authority clinics.

These are: Al Safa Primary Healthcare Centre, Zabeel Primary Healthcare Centre, Al Mizhar Primary Healthcare Centre, Nadd Al Hamar Primary Healthcare Centre, Al Barsha Primary Healthcare Centre, Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre and Hatta Hospital.

Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine has been administered at mobile clinics and vaccination points in Dubai and there is typically a three-month gap between doses.

Though some European governments have advised those under 30 to not take the vaccine because of a slim chance of a blood clot occurring, it remains in use in Dubai, and in other places.

The Sinopharm vaccine is the shot most widely adopted in the UAE. It is the only vaccine on offer in Abu Dhabi and has been delivered from mobile health clinics in Dubai and other emirates.

Like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the doses are delivered 21 days apart.

To date, about nine million doses have been administered in the UAE, meaning the vast majority have had one shot at least.

Am I eligible for a vaccine in Dubai?

Residents should be over the age of 40 and must have a valid visa issued by the emirate of Dubai.

And residents over the age of 60 with visas issued in any emirate can also register for inoculation, provided they can prove they live in Dubai.

People must bring their original passport, Emirates ID or visa copy to the vaccination centre.

People under 40 with underlying health conditions may be asked to present proof of their illness.

Anecdotally, many people under the age of 40 have been able to have the shots, as officials look to vaccinate the population as quickly possible.

Can I take a vaccine if I have already had Covid-19?

Yes, but you need to wait at least three months from the date of confirmed infection before attending a clinic for a shot.

Because the body develops antibodies after having Covid-19, the likelihood of reinfection is very low.

Who is currently excluded from a vaccine in Dubai?

• Children below 18 years

• Pregnant women

• Women who are breastfeeding

• People with an immunodeficiency disease

• Those who are allergic to any vaccine, food, medicine or substance, or those who carry a self-injectable adrenalin pen