In a positive development, the UAE's national vaccination campaign has resulted in a steep decline in the number of hospitalisations due to COVID-19 among the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses.

According to UAE's medical experts, the mass vaccination initiative is showing positive outcomes in the past few months with the reduction in the number of hospital admissions. The UAE leadership prioritised vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, in its vaccination campaign. As per the latest official data, approximately 85 percent of people aged 60 years and above have been inoculated against the COVID-19 disease as part of the campaign.

Speaking to the media, Dr Sunil Vyas, Pulmonology (Specialist) at Aster Hospital in Qusais, said that a major decline has been observed in hospitalisation of elderly people infected with COVID-19. He underlined that even if people have been infected post-vaccination, their symptoms have been mild, and they have received adequate treatment without the need for hospitalisation or oxygen therapy.

"The share of the elderly in total deaths has begun to decline after the vaccinations began. Vaccination and abiding by the protocols put forward, wearing masks, avoiding attending events or gatherings have brought down the cases," Dr Vyas added.

He further noted that the authorities have observed more than 60 percent decline in the admission of elderly COVID-19 patients, adding that the number has been consistent in recent months. He highlighted that the number of patients above the age of 60 years requiring hospitalistion due to COVID-19 started falling in the month of March.

“We had only 3 patients above the age of 60 years in the month of May compared with 8 to 13 cases in the month of January and February. There have been only 3 cases in the month of March and April too," Dr Vyas said.

Dr Prasanna Kumar, critical care specialist and ICU in-charge at Dubai-based Medeor Hospital, also noted that a sharp fall in hospital and ICU admissions has taken place among all age groups after the mass vaccination drive. Dr Kumar also said that all recent COVID-19 patients are recovering with minimal support.

“After the last peak hit in January, the total number of cases is on a steady decline. Severe COVID-19 cases requiring ICU care have significantly decreased. During the peak in January, older patients required prolonged ICU care. Now, we are hardly getting any such patients requiring prolonged care," Dr Kumar added.

Furthermore, hospitals have also witnessed enthusiastic support and increased participation from the elderly people in the vaccination campaign. According to Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, specialist internal medicine at Burjeel Specialty Hospital in Sharjah, this is a crucial factor in the dip in the fresh caseloads and prolonged medical care.

"Our early group (vulnerable categories) is not requiring long-time treatment, in most cases. Once filled with people from vulnerable age categories, the ICUs are now seeing lower caseloads. I would attribute this change to the efficacy of the vaccination," Dr Rajesh said.

On Saturday, the UAE authorities administered 110,605 more vaccine doses over the past 24 hours, boosting the total number to 12.75 million at a distribution rate of 128.98 doses per 100 people.

Dr Muhammed Ayoob, specialist (pulmonary disease) at NMC Specialty Hospital in Abu Dhabi, underlined the significance of COVID-19 vaccination in developing immunity which is facilitating the drop in the risk of infection. Dr Ayoob asserted that it is particularly important for people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including frontline workers, healthcare professionals, senior citizens, and people with medical conditions. He further urged all members of the community to get vaccinated against the virus to protect their health and wellbeing.

"Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. So, we need to encourage everyone who is offered or has access to the vaccine to get it as soon as possible," Dr Ayoob added.