Abu Dhabi to provide COVID-19 vaccines, PCR tests in pharmacies

In line with the emirate’s commitment to adopting international best practices and making healthcare services further accessible to all community members, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), announced that COVID-19 vaccines and PCR tests will be available in pharmacies, starting on July 29th, 2022.

COVID-19 vaccines will be provided free of charge and the PCR tests will be priced at Dhs40.

This step is aimed at promoting community health and ensuring the availability of preventive vaccination services in privacy and comfort and in accordance with world-class standards.

The first phase will allow community members to take PCR tests and for those eligible over the age of 18 to receive the COVID- 19 vaccination. The programme will later expand the offered services to include other types of vaccinations, such as the seasonal flu vaccine and various travel vaccines.

Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Under-Secretary of DoH, said, "With the support and vision of our wise leadership, the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi will continue to strengthen its position as a global leader in dealing with the pandemic and maintaining the health and safety of the community.

By administering the COVID-19 vaccination and providing PCR tests in pharmacies, we will provide community members with convenient access to important healthcare services which fall in line with the safety measures undertaken by Abu Dhabi in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We encourage more pharmacies to take part in the national vaccination efforts to ensure this service reaches all the community. We are also working towards including other types of vaccinations in pharmacies to enhance the safety of individuals and facilitate the accessibility of these services."

Several pharmacies have successfully completed courses certified by DoH to administer these vaccinations. After successful completion, the pharmacies receive the authorisation which is then added to their license based on the Department's regulations and standards.

The Department will provide the list of licensed pharmacies through www.doh.gov.ae/en/Abu-Dhabi-pharmacies The Department of Health encourages the pharmacies who wish to provide COVID-19 vaccines and PCR tests to apply and add specialty application through TAMM platform.

The UAE maintains its global lead in COVID-19 vaccination rates, with 100 percent of the population receiving the first dose and 98.1 percent receiving two doses.

WAM