Dubai gets more supplies of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

The health authority distributed the new batch across health centres dedicated to administering the Covid-19 vaccine

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 has received more supplies of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, officials said on Tuesday.

Dubai Health Authority distributed the new batch across health centres dedicated to administering the Covid-19 vaccine.

It did not reveal how many doses were available.

The authority's vaccination campaign is currently focusing on Emiratis and elderly residents, people with chronic diseases who have a valid Dubai visa, front-liners and vital workers in both the public and private sector.

Dr Farida Al Khaja, chief executive of the regulator’s Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector and chairperson of the Covid-19 Vaccination Steering Committee, said priority will be given to people aged 60 years and older.

As with other countries, UAE was affected by the global shortage of the US-German made vaccines.

Authorities have also approved Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm – the most widely used – and Russia's Sputnik V for emergency use only.

Last month, 200,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot arrived in Dubai on a flight from India. The batch was enough for 100,000 people.

In December, Sinopharm said an initial batch of three million doses had been delivered to the UAE to date, with further deliveries expected.