00:00Back in December 2020, the UAE announced the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination for free
00:08to all residents.
00:09The aim is to vaccinate at least 50% of the people in the country by the first quarter
00:14of 2021.
00:15The two vaccines available in the UAE are Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm.
00:20And if you want to take the COVID-19 vaccine, here are five main things you need to know.
00:26First of all, should you take the COVID-19 vaccine?
00:29Yes.
00:30The UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority stressed the
00:35importance of getting vaccinated.
00:38Authorities say that the vaccine is the only way to reduce the spread and combat the severity
00:42of COVID-19.
00:43Who is offering the vaccine?
00:46The Dubai Health Authority is offering the Pfizer vaccine, while CEHA is offering Sinopharm.
00:52For Pfizer, residents can register and book appointments for vaccinations through the
00:58or the DHA's toll-free number on 800-342.
01:02And if you want the Sinopharm vaccine, then it's available at all clinics run by CEHA,
01:06the Emirates public health operator, and at hospitals and clinics run by VPS Healthcare.
01:12You can call CEHA's toll-free number on 800-50.
01:16So how effective is this vaccine?
01:18The UAE trials of the Sinopharm vaccine showed an 86% vaccine efficiency against COVID-19,
01:25according to CEHA.
01:27As for Pfizer, in Phase 3 trials, at least two preliminary data analysis showed the Pfizer
01:32vaccine is more than 90% effective and safe.
01:37Do I qualify for the first phase of vaccinations?
01:40If you choose to get the Sinopharm vaccine, then all you have to do is visit any of the
01:44centers in Abu Dhabi or any day of the week from 8am to 8pm.
01:49You can walk in or make an appointment through the CEHA app.
01:52If you choose to get the Pfizer vaccine, then according to the DHA, the first phase
01:57of vaccination gives priority to senior citizens 60 years and above, frontline workers, locals
02:03above the age of 18, people of determination, and those with chronic diseases.
02:08If I was infected with COVID-19, can I still take the vaccine?
02:12Yes, but you will need to take the shot three months from the date of infection.
02:18To read the full COVID-19 vaccine story, log on to gulfnews.com.
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