Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson of the UAE health sector, recently addressed the UAE government's media briefing about the ongoing developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. During the briefing, she attributed the success of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign to the support of the UAE leadership, proactive planning and response, cooperation of strategic partners, the health sector's efficiency and competitiveness, and the speedy process of registering approved vaccines.

She added that the significant role played by the media and awareness campaigns and support of the community also contributed to the success of the vaccination drive.

Dr. Al Hosani underlined that a third booster shot of the Sinopharm vaccine can be taken by those individuals who received their second dose of the vaccine more than six months ago. She affirmed that the priority will be given to the elderly and those with chronic diseases in this campaign.

She added that the UAE has made efforts to provide adequate vaccine doses to friendly nations with the aim of overcoming the pandemic and achieving rapid recovery.

In line with the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and Honorary Chairperson of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the UAE has successfully completed the first phase of vaccination campaign to inoculate thousands of refugees in Jordan and Iraq with the help of ERC, Dr. Al Hosani noted.

She highlighted that the UAE has vaccinated 73.88 percent of all eligible groups aged 16 and above as part of its vaccination drive. Furthermore, the number of vaccinated people above the age of 60 has also increased to 80.33 percent.

In addition, the UAE has administered more than 11.5 million vaccine doses at a rate of 117.23 per 100 people since the beginning of the campaign.

Moreover, more than 47 million Coronavirus tests have been conducted so far by the health sector.

Dr. Al Hosani pointed out that relevant authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and the results of the national vaccination campaign. As per the outcome of the campaign, the rate of hospitalisation and use of ventilators have reduced across the UAE. It has also accelerated the speed of post-pandemic recovery and efforts to curb the spread of the virus in the country.

"All types of vaccines must undergo strict testing and go through several assessment phases, including clinical tests, before their approval," she explained.

She further affirmed that relevant national committees are staying updated with international developments regarding COVID-19 vaccines. A number of vaccines are being monitored and assessed for either emergency use or full approval in accordance with the country’s laws and regulations.

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) approved the emergency use of the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine for the 12-15 age group as part of the ongoing vaccination campaign. It will support the national efforts to combat the pandemic and protect this age group. At the same time, it indicates the UAE's proactive approach in protecting the health and safety of all community members against the pandemic.

The senior official stressed the need for vaccinating children, despite a low infection rate among the group, amidst efforts to resume in-person school classes in the coming months. She urged parents to not be concerned, affirming that vaccination will help in keeping everyone safe and protect the health and wellbeing of all children. Dr. Al Hosani added that vaccinating children will also reduce the burden on parents whose wards are engaged in online learning.

"Expanding vaccine coverage allows us to provide vaccines to the biggest proportion of the population in order to reach herd immunity. It is important as children go back to schools. To parents, rest assured this vaccine will help us all feel safe and protect the health of children," she noted.

She expressed UAE's keenness in fully engaging the community in addressing the pandemic crisis by raising awareness among the public about the developments and scientific facts related to COVID-19.

Dr. Al Hosani called on all community members to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to ensure acquired immunity. She urged them to follow general guidelines of a healthy lifestyle including avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy. She also reiterated the importance of adhering to all precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.

"We urge everyone to get tested for their Vitamin-D level, and herein we stress the importance of Vitamin-D, Vitamin-C, and Zinc, as they boost immunity and help the body fight communicable diseases, including COVID-19," she said.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Hosani thanked all members of the community for their commitment and cooperation in adhering to the precautionary measures that helped in the national efforts to contain the virus and accelerate recovery.

"We recently registered significant achievements and there are still more achievements to accomplish in the coming period to maintain the country’s gains. Therefore, everyone must cooperate to achieve herd immunity," she added.

WAM