Dr Farida Al Khaja.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) held a question-answer session on Twitter about the facts regarding COVID-19 vaccination.  The DHA said, “As part of our #AskDXBDoctor initiative, at 8:30pm we’re posting the answers to your questions on the COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai, with Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector, Chairperson of the Covid-19 Vaccination Steering Committee at DHA…”

Dr Farida answered following questions:

1. Can I travel after getting vaccinated?

Yes, you can travel after getting vaccine, however, you should make sure that you are available for second dose, which is 21 days after the first

2. Is it safe to have more than one type COVID vaccine?

It is not safe to take different vaccines for the same disease as per the scientific studies that are available.

3. Is vaccination compulsory and what are the procedures for getting the vaccine in DHA?

Vaccine is free of charge, its not compulsory. And is optional. People can book for the vaccination through the DHA app on their smartphones or they can call 800342, the call centre of the DHA. After answering certainquestions they can get eligibility for registration for the vaccine

4. Who are the people who cannot get vaccinated?

We have several categories, which are excluded from the vaccination. These are pregnant women, breastfeeding women and the women who are planning to get pregnant within the coming three months of vaccination. People who have some immune deficiency disease and people who are severly allergic to the vaccine itself.

5. When can a person who received the vaccine not wear a mask?

Wearing a mask is a must and we ask all the people to wear the mask whether they are vaccinated or not. It is important to follow all the restrictions and measures set by the government.

6. Do you recommend individuals with chronic diseases to get the vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccine is designed for so many categories and one of the most important priorities is the chronic disease.   So people who have chronic disease they should get the vaccine to protect themselves.

7. How long will the vaccination campaign last?

The campaign will last for one year. We are supposed to end by December 2021, once we hit the target. Our target is to vaccinate 70% of the population in Dubai.

8. When will the second phase of vaccination begin? When will everyone be allowed to receive the vaccine?

We are in the first phase of the vaccination, which is supposed to end by March 2021 by covering all the priority categories. The second phase will start in April 2021, however if we finish the first phase before March, we will definitely open the vaccine to everyone, locals and residents in Dubai.

9. I recovered from COVID-19 earlier. Can I get vaccinated?

People who were infected with COVID-19, can get the vaccine after three months post infection.