Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Official Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, announced that the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued a detailed guidebook on COVID-19 booster shots, urging all eligible individuals to take the shot six months after their second dose.
During the UAE Government media briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic, Al Ghaithi urged people who took the Sinopharm vaccine who belong to the vulnerable category, such as people with chronic diseases and those aged over 50, to take their booster shot three months after their second dose, adding all other people over the age of 16 should take the booster six months after their second dose.
She also added,
"For those who received the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine, it is recommended for all individuals aged 18 and above to take their booster shot of the same vaccine six months after taking their second dose, while those who received are required to take the booster shot of either the same or another vaccine six months after taking their second dose,"
Those who took other types of COVID-19 vaccines should head to the nearest vaccination center to learn the type of booster they are required to take.
She further said,
"Studies have shown vaccine doses and booster shots help significantly reduce the rates of hospitalization and death and reduce the virus’ mutations into new variants,"
Booster shots are among the key factors that protect public health and ensure public safety, playing a key role in strengthening collective immunity, she added.
Dr. Al Ghaithi affirmed,
"We urge eligible individuals to take booster shots to protect themselves, especially elderly people and those with chronic diseases, to support the national efforts to contain the pandemic and the variants,"
Taking the vaccine does not exempt anyone from complying with relevant precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks, sanitizing and respecting social distancing, she continued.
She also urged members of the community to continue taking regular COVID-19 PCR tests, especially before family visits and meeting elderly people, and refrain from handshaking and other forms of physical greetings. The country has adopted a clear and transparent approach to addressing COVID-19 by announcing updates on national media outlets and the official social media platforms of relevant authorities.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
