Priority will be given to senior citizens and those with chronic diseases…

During a media briefing on Tuesday, May 18, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced a third booster dose of Sinopharm is now available.

It is for those people who have received the vaccine previously and who have completed a six month period after their second dose.


The authority added that priority will be given to senior citizens and people with chronic diseases.

The move comes as part of the UAE’s proactive strategy to provide maximum protection for society.

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Last week on Thursday, May 13 the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) also announced the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 12 to 15.

During the media briefing today, the NCEMA stressed that expanding the scope of vaccination to this group ‘open the door for vaccinating a large number of citizens and residents in the country, and vaccinating the largest segment of society, thus contributing to reaching acquired immunity.’

The authority added that vaccination is very important due to the return of students to schools next year. It called on parents to take the initiative to vaccinate their children in order to ensure their health and safety.

The NCEMA stated that ‘more than 73.88% of the total eligible group, individuals above 16, were vaccinated. In addition, 80.33% of senior citizens, above 60 years of age, were vaccinated, which is the priority group as they are more vulnerable to the disease and its complications.’

It stated that the data of the National Vaccination Campaign showed that the vaccines contributed to reducing hospital admissions and the need to use ventilators, which supported the acceleration of recovery and limited the spread of the virus.

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