Coronavirus vaccine is optional in the UAE, says health ministry

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) provided information and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine by answering a series of questions.

The ministry said it has been frequently bombarded with questions of “Is vaccination compulsory or optional?

The ministry said that the vaccine is optional. But health authorities insist elderly people get the jab.

The ministry also said that there are common side effects which may occur such as pain at the injection site, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and lethargy.

Mild symptoms usually go away without treatment. People with a history of allergy should not get the vaccine.   

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The ministry said pregnant and breastfeeding women and women planning to become pregnant in the next three months are told not to get the vaccine.

What are the benefits of vaccinations in general?

Vaccinations protect children and adults from infection with some infectious diseases and their dangerous complications, and thus lead to a healthy society free from these infectious diseases and epidemics.

Vaccines achieve their purpose by protecting individuals and communities. Vaccinations are among the best and most successful medical interventions.

What are the expected benefits of taking the COVID-19 vaccine?

Taking the COVID-19 vaccine gives acquired immunity in the form of antibodies to the emerging coronavirus (COVID-19), and obtaining the vaccination provides protection for the people around you, especially the group most vulnerable to disease and its complications.

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Could taking the COVID-19 vaccine cause you to catch SARS-Covid-2 virus?

It is not possible for you to be infected with the virus upon obtaining the vaccine, according to the studies currently available, but to obtain effective immunity, two doses must be taken, between 21 to 28 days, while the period of protection provided by the vaccine has not yet been determined.

Are there any side effects to be expected?

Common side effects may occur such as: pain at the injection site, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and lethargy. Mild symptoms usually go away without treatment.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Who should not be vaccinated?

1) Those with a previous severe allergy to vaccines or other substances
2) Pregnant and breastfeeding women and women planning to become pregnant in the next three months
3) Those with a history of severe COVID-19 disease

Is vaccination compulsory or optional?

Vaccination is optional.

From what age can the vaccine be taken?

From the age of 18 years and over.

Will people who get vaccinated be exempt from home or institutional quarantine procedures?

These persons are not exempt from the procedures related to home or institutional quarantine and they must comply with the instructions issued by the concerned authorities.

Will people who have been vaccinated be excused from taking tests for COVID-19?

So far, these people are not exempt from the procedure.

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Will people who have been vaccinated be exempt from taking COVID-19 screening tests for the purpose of travel or at the airport?

So far, these people are not exempt from taking COVID-19 tests for the purpose of travel.

Are there restrictions after taking the vaccination?

There are no restrictions, a person can return to a normal life, taking into account all preventive measures to limit the spread of SARS-Covid-2 virus.

Can people who have previously had COVID-19 get vaccinated?

Yes, and for more information, please contact the health authorities.

When I get the COVID-19 vaccine, can I stop taking all the precautions for SARS-Covid-2?

You cannot stop following the preventive measures; limit the spread of the SARS-Covid-2 virus in the community by wearing masks, physical distancing and washing hands.

Will the vaccination give permanent immunity or will it be repeated annually?

Since it is a new vaccine, there is not enough information in this regard yet.

What to do if you experience any side effects from the vaccine?

You can go to the nearest health centre or hospital, or contact the health agency's call centre.