The UAE recently approved the emergency use of Sinopharm's protein-based vaccine as a booster dose in the country. The announcement was made by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) on December 27, 2021.

Following the approval, NCEMA issued details regarding the new vaccine and eligible categories for the booster dose among other relevant information.

Here is everything you need to know about the vaccine:

What is the new Sinopharm vaccine?

Developed by Sinopharm CNBG (China National Biotec Group), the vaccine is a new recombinant protein vaccine which effectively produces antibodies. According to the NCEMA, the vaccine has the potential to provide widespread protection and ensure higher effectiveness against COVID-19 variants.

It uses S protein that surrounds the COVID-19 virus to help the body in identifying the virus and fighting it in case of exposure. It will also help in protecting against several variants of the COVID-19 virus. As per reports, this technology is not new as earlier it was used to produce the Hepatitis B vaccine among other medications.

The UAE authorised the vaccine after strict monitoring and assessment of trials that were conducted in the country. The NCEMA also affirmed that the UAE's approval for emergency use of the protein-based vaccine was in line with relevant local and international laws and regulations.

Who is eligible for the booster vaccine dose?

It can be given to people above the age of 18 years as a booster shot at least six months after they received their second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine. The authorities noted that the protein-based vaccine will be administered starting January 2022.

Individuals allergic to any component of the vaccine are exempted from receiving the vaccine, after the medical team conducts necessary evaluation.

Furthermore, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those planning pregnancy in six months are also advised to not take the protein-based vaccine. However, they can receive other types of authorised vaccines.

In addition, NCEMA has confirmed that side effects of Sinopharm CNBG's new recombinant protein vaccine are similar to other vaccines.