UAE: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have allowed the emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech and Sputnik vaccination booster doses for select residents. On Tuesday, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) revealed that it has begun providing booster Pfizer shots to certain citizens.
The booster shots will be administered six months after the second dose, according to health officials who announced the eligibility conditions.
Those who had Pfizer or Sputnik vaccines after receiving Sinopharm vaccines are not eligible for the booster doses. Senior citizens and expats aged 60 and above, those with chronic illnesses in the 50-59 years age group and those committed to long-term care at healthcare facilities are eligible according to the authorities.
According to UAE Health Sector spokesperson Dr Noura Al Ghaiti, the decision is based on “research and suggestions” and could help increase protection once vaccine effectiveness against Covid-19 infections declines over time.
The UAE is one of the top countries in the world when it comes to combating the pandemic. With almost 20.2 million vaccine doses delivered, it is also the most immunized country. It is distributed at a rate of around 205 doses per 100 persons. Nearly 95% of inhabitants have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and nearly 85% have been fully immunized.
