Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection announced the availability of Sinopharm vaccine against the Covid-19 virus for children aged 3 to 17 years.

The decision is based on the results of clinical studies and the strict evaluation of the emergency use permit and the local evaluation that complies with the approved regulations.

The adoption of the vaccine comes within the framework of strengthening the efforts of the UAE to combat the Covid 19 virus, and an affirmation of its proactive approach to concern for the health and safety of community members.

Earlier, the Abu Dhabi health body announced that the target has been achieved for the Sinopharm Immune Bridge Study on children aged 3 to 17 years in Abu Dhabi.

The study was conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

The study followed the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in reducing the infection rate and the severity of symptoms in the target population.

The study examined 900 children of different nationalities who met the criteria for participating in the study. It was done with the full consent of the parents, and all young volunteers are closely monitored and cared for at every step of the whole process.

All applicable medical protocols are implemented in accordance with the highest international standards and practices.

Once these measures are in place, preliminary studies will be announced to help develop plans for students to return to school in a safe and healthy manner.

The registration for this study was successful because we recruited the required number of children in a short period of time.

In addition, the health authorities praised the significant role played by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) in performing procedures and manage medical agreements to ensure that the goals of this study are achieved.  

The United Arab Emirates is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to conduct a vaccine effectiveness study for this age group.

Other vaccine-producing countries, such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, have conducted similar clinical trials in recent months.

Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, Principal Investigator for Phase III Trials COVID-19 vaccine said that the enrollment registration for this study has been successful as we have attracted the desired number of children within a short period of time.  

I would like to thank everyone who took the initiative to register and participate in this study to support the country’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.