Dubai: New Categories Added to Those Eligible for Pfizer Vaccine

Dubai Health Authority announced expanding criteria for Covid-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which now includes breastfeeding women, those planning to conceive can also receive the vaccine as well as patients who have recovered from COVID-19 (without 3 months wait).

Patients can take the vaccine upon completion of their post-recovery isolation period, provided the infection was mild or asymptomatic.

Dr Farida Al Khaja, chief executive of DHA’s Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector and chairwoman of the Covid-19 Vaccination Steering Committee, said the decision is in line with international guidelines.

“If the infection was moderate or severe and required hospitalisation, the timeframe for vaccination after infection will depend on the decision of the medical team that treated the patient,” Ms Al Khaja said.

“However, all mild cases or cases without symptoms can take the vaccine after completing the isolation period.”

Recently, DHA also reduced the minimum age for some of the available vaccines from 18 to 16 years.

“Clinical studies show that the mRNA vaccine is safe for women who are breastfeeding or planning to conceive unless the patient has certain medical contraindications to vaccines or any vaccine component,” said Dr Muna Tahlak, chief executive of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children.

Ramadan Timings for Vaccine Centres

From 9am to 4pm and from 9pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday.

On Friday and Saturday, the centres will provide vaccinations from 9pm to midnight only.

From 9am to 4pm during the last 10 days of the holy month.

The vaccination centres will be closed on May 7 and May 8.

How to book an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccine?

People must generate a Medical Record Number on the DHA app to book an appointment for vaccination.

Those who do not have a MRN can get one by:

1. Visiting the DHA website – www.dha.gov.ae

2. Following the direct link – bit.ly/MRN_E

Individuals should enter their Emirates ID number and they will receive a one-time password on their registered mobile number. On confirmation, their MRN number will appear on the website.

If the OTP is forwarded to a different mobile number, users can get it corrected by calling Identity and Citizenship – UAE on 600 522 222

After getting the MRN number, people are advised to book an appointment for vaccination through the DHA’s toll-free number 800 342 or by downloading the DHA application.

Image Source: WAM