Dubai to administer China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from Sunday

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Saturday announced that it will begin providing China’s Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to Emirati citizens and Dubai residents who are aged 60 and above, starting from Sunday.

The move is in line with the DHA’s keenness to provide the public with an opportunity to select between various types of vaccines available in the emirate.

The Sinopharm vaccine will be available at Nad Al Hamr Health Centre, Al Twar Health Centre and Al Mankhool Health Centre, the DHA said.

“Providing the Sinopharm vaccine is part of the DHA’s keenness to ensure the availability of COVID-19 vaccination services to all segments of the community, especially the older age groups who are considered to be among the high-risk categories.

"In the first phase of the launch of the vaccine, the DHA’s Contact Centre will reach out to those who already have pre-registered appointments for vaccination,” said Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHA’s Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector and Chairperson of the COVID-19 Vaccination Steering Committee.

Dr Al Khaja added that the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine will be available to other segments of the population in future phases. The health authority reiterated the importance of continuing to adhere to precautionary measures and leading a healthy lifestyle even after taking the vaccine.

On Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Health reported 3,647 new cases and 12 deaths bringing the total number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 to 300,661 and 674 respectively.