The UAE is expanding efforts to inoculate all residents against Covid-19 by urging people still waiting for the vaccine to book appointments immediately.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention opened additional appointment slots for all residents across the Emirates.
In Dubai, any resident over the age of 16 can now schedule their first or second dose of the vaccine at one of the participating Ministry of Health centres in the city.
Vaccination centres operated by the Dubai Health Authority are still accepting appointments on a priority basis. Slots are only available for the elderly, frontline workers, people with chronic illnesses and over-40s.
In the capital, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) is administering first and second doses of the vaccine to all residents over the age of 16, at a number of tents and centres throughout the city.
Abu Dhabi appointments for the Sinopharm vaccine can be made through the Seha application. Only elderly residents and people with chronic health conditions can have walk-in appointments, all others must be pre-booked, health authorities said.
For the past six weeks, across the country, shots of the vaccine were reserved for at–risk groups, including the elderly and those with underlying health issues.
In February, the Ministry of Health made the decision to limit the vaccine to special cases following a spike in infections at the beginning of the year.
Here, The National explains how you can book your jab.
Eligibility
Eligible citizens and residents aged 16 and above can now be inoculated free of charge at any of the 205 vaccination locations nationwide, the health ministry said in a statement.
Vulnerable people without appointments will continue to receive priority at walk-in clinics.
Availability
The UAE has approved four Covid-19 vaccines for use: Sinopharm; Pfizer-BioNTech; Sputnik V; and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
Residents and citizens holding Abu Dhabi visas are eligible to receive the Sinopharm vaccine at all Seha-run facilities and participating Ministry of Health centres.
In the other emirates, health centres are administering all other jabs.
The type of vaccination you receive depends on availability and a patient’s risk of contraindications.
Dr Ramzi Alshaiba, medical director and specialist of general surgery at Bareen International Hospital in Abu Dhabi said the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine was available for citizens and residents, but strictly by appointment only.
“We advise our patients to visit our website or WhatsApp the Bareen hotline to book an appointment,” he said.
“Since we have just started opening slots, we are able to give appointments within the same week from the time we receive the query.”
There is a purpose-built Covid-19 vaccine tent on the hospital's premises.
A spokesperson for VPS Healthcare, which has 27 centres that offer the vaccine across the UAE, said people can now book their appointments online at www.covidvaccineuae.com and choose their nearest centre.
Registration
'Covid-19 UAE' is the Ministry of Health’s official mobile application on coronavirus management.
The app provides users with real-time coronavirus statistics in the UAE in co-ordination with National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority.
The app can be used to book a vaccination appointment at any participating Ministry of Health centre across the country.
People can download the app on Android or iOS. Users have to register by entering their personal details, Emirates ID and phone number before booking their appointment slot.
Dubai: For those looking to book an appointment at a DHA tent or centre in Dubai, they need to download the DHA application.
To register, a medical record number with the DHA is needed. This can be created on the DHA website.
After submitting your Emirates ID number, a one-time pin – or OTP – will be sent to your registered mobile number.
The system accepts only people who have a Dubai residency visa. The MRN cannot be created for visa holders of other emirates.
Once registered, login using your DHA Account or UAE Pass and select ‘book Covid-19 vaccine’.
Follow the symptom checker process and answer the questions carefully to determine your eligibility for the vaccine.
Schedule your appointment by choosing the nearest centre and the suitable time.
Review the details and confirm your appointment.
You will receive an SMS to confirm your appointment. Please read the consent form before visiting the clinic.
Abu Dhabi: Residents in Abu Dhabi or with an Abu Dhabi visa can book appointments via the Seha app. The following priority categories are eligible for walk-in vaccination at Seha vaccination centres and clinics, without an appointment:
- UAE nationals and their household workers
- Senior citizens and residents (50 years old and over)
- People of determination
- People with chronic diseases
Patients can register using their Emirates ID before continuing to the vaccination booking page.
Some of the centres offering vaccine to residents over 16
Dubai
Where: Al Ittihad Health Center
When: From Sunday to Thursday
9am to 6pm
Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app
Where: Dubai Parks and Resorts
When: From Sunday to Thursday
8am to 5pm
Appointment: Book via Seha application
______________
Abu Dhabi
Where: Seha Covid-19 vaccination centre - Zayed Port
When: 7am to 10pm
Appointment: Book via Seha application
Where: Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra
When: 8am to 7.30pm
Appointment: Book via Seha application
______________
Sharjah
Where: Expo Centre Sharjah
When: From Sunday to Thursday
9am to 6pm
Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app
Where: Sharjah Health Center
When: From Sunday to Thursday
8am to 9pm
Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app
______________
Ajman
Where: Ajman Society for Social and Cultural Development
When: From Sunday to Thursday
8am to 10pm
Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app
Where: Emirates Hospitality Center Ajman
When: From Sunday to Thursday
9am to 6pm
Appointment: Call 80011111 or book via UAE Covid-19 app
______________
UAE’s vaccination drive
This latest announcement comes after the UAE reported last week that it had achieved its objective of vaccinating half the country’s population, two weeks ahead of its target date.
The total number of doses crossed 7.18 million on Sunday, representing 72.61 doses per 100 people.
Those who have already received their first dose were eligible to book their second dose throughout the past six weeks.
