Coronavirus: Dubai in major expansion of vaccine rollout

All Dubai resident visa holders above the age of 40 can receive the Covid-19 shot

A Dubai ambulance worker is vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in Dubai.

An older resident receives her first shot at Zabeel Health Centre on December 27, 2020.

The vaccine is expected to be rolled out to all age groups once people in the essential categories have been vaccinated.

A nurse holds a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was approved for use by Dubai's emergency and crisis authority and the federal Ministry of Health.

An employee from Roads and Transport Authority receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai.

A woman receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

The city has six vaccine centres where the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is available.

A man waits to receive the first of two doses at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

A vial of the vaccine is seen at Barsha Health Centre. AFP

A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at al-Barsha Health Centre in Dubai. AFP

Dubai on Tuesday launched a major new phase in its Covid-19 vaccine campaign, making more people eligible for inoculation.

Authorities said all residents over the age of 40 with visas issued by Dubai can register to receive the vaccine at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facilities.

And residents over the age of 60 with visas issued in any emirate can also register for inoculation – provided they can prove they live in Dubai.

Dubai authorities also expanded the age limits for receiving Covid-19 vaccines, in line with health regulations.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can now be administered to individuals aged 16 and above. Previously, the minimum age was 18.

And the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine can now be given to those aged 18 and above. Until now, it was only offered to those aged between 18 and 65.

The UAE has been running one of quickest vaccination campaigns in the world.

It has administered more than six million doses since December and carried out 31 million tests since the pandemic began.

New case figures have remained below 3,000 for the past three days, having hovered above 3,000 for much of the year.

Authorities have taken strict action to curb the virus, and on Tuesday Dubai announced the cancellation of all permits for Ramadan tents this year.

Dr Farida Al Khaja, chairwoman of the DHA's vaccination campaign, said the expansion of the vaccination scheme was based on a strategic plan developed late last year, which outlines phases and timelines.
She said people can book an appointment through the DHA smartphone app or through the contact centre at 800 342.
With the new additions, targeted categories include: Dubai resident visa holders aged 40 and above; Dubai residents aged 60 and above, with visas from any emirate; Dubai resident visa holders with chronic diseases or disabilities, aged over 16; and frontline and vital sector workers.