With the confirmation that Sinopharm vaccine against Covid-19 is offering immunity for nine months against Covid-19, Abu Dhabi health authorities are now studying timeline for a booster dose.

“The Sinopharm vaccine offers immunity for nine months, and taking the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be considered as a booster shot,” the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) said on its official Twitter handle in response to a Netizen’s query. On clarification whether the Pfizer booster requires one or two doses, Seha said, “The Pfizer booster dose is only one shot for those who are originally vaccinated with Sinopharm.” 

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) said in a statement to Khaleej Times that individuals may opt for either Sinopharm or Pfizer booster dose post medical evaluation. “Booster dose is available for those who have completed six months since the second dose of Sinopharm. Individuals may choose to receive either the Sinopharm vaccine or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster after medical evaluation.”

On query that whether booster dose is to be taken every six months, the ADPHC noted, “The booster dose helps enhance the immunity response; therefore, decreasing individuals’ susceptibility to infection, complications and hospitalisation. We are currently working with other health authorities to determine the periodicity of taking the booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines based on up-to-date reviewed scientific robust data.”

 The ADPHC added there is “no difference” in the booster shot dosage compared to the initial two vaccine doses. “No difference in Sinopharm vaccine doses. All doses are given in the same volume dosage.” 

A senior doctor at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City highlighted that for a fully vaccinated individual not to have antibodies is a rare finding. “That may happen one in a 100 or one in a 1,000 that someone may not respond to any vaccine due to their body structure.” The doctor stressed “Take the booster shot and take the necessary precautions.” 

Seha facilities, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, offers both the Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines. Individuals are required to book appointments through the Seha mobile application. 

Those who have missed their second dose appointments can get vaccinated within 21 to 56 days after the first dose. “However, appointments for the second dose are auto generated and cannot be rescheduled — if you cannot make it on time, you can go any time after and within 21 to 56 days,” Seha said.