Dubai's first vaccine recipients encourage others to follow suit

A nurse, retired Emirati, police officer and bus driver were among the first to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech 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

Some of the first people vaccinated against Covid-19 in Dubai are encouraging others to follow suit, saying they experienced no symptoms and there is nothing to be afraid of.

A nurse, police officer, retired Emirati and bus driver were among the first to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as part of the Dubai’s free, voluntary inoculation campaign.

They said claims of severe allergic reactions were rare and should not put people off.

Ali Salem Ali Aladidi, 84, was vaccinated last Wednesday, when the campaign began. He is the oldest to receive the jab so far.

He also suffers from a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney issues.

Mr Al Aladidi recently underwent heart valve replacement surgery.

The retired royal guard will receive his second dose 21 days after the first and has had no negative side effects.

“I didn’t hesitate for a second when Dubai Health Authority called and asked if I was interested in taking the vaccine,” the father of 13 said.

“I’ve encouraged around 20 of my elderly friends to take the vaccine and all my children have registered to receive it.

He said he saw no harm in taking the vaccine, and it had benefits.

"I was told of all the side effects that I may experience but I feel absolutely fine,” he said.

The most commonly reported side effects for the vaccine are pain on the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever.

In rare cases, some recipients have experienced serious reactions called anaphylaxis. This has prompted health authorities to recommend those with severe allergies to avoid being vaccinated for now.

Asha Susan Philip, a Dubai resident who has worked as a nurse for more than 15 years, said she registered to be vaccinated because she was tired of seeing all the pain and suffering that Covid-19 caused countless patients and their families.

“I have seen the pain this virus has caused, and our normal lives have been affected,” said Ms Philip, 46, from Kerala, India.

“There are so many restrictions everywhere, social distancing and so on. If a vaccine can help us lead a normal life then why not,” she said.

The mother of four experienced no side effects after receiving her shot and said a positive outlook went a long way.

“If you have a good attitude then your body will react in a positive way and I have faith in God,” she said.

“We want to have a normal life and if this vaccine will help me lead a normal life then it is an inspiration for everybody.”

The first phase of Dubai’s vaccination campaign targets four main categories; Emiratis and residents aged 60 and above, people with chronic diseases and those with disabilities, front line and vital sector workers, and finally all other residents who wish to get vaccinated.

Adel Hassan Shukralla, a 32 year-old officer with Dubai Police, wanted to do all he could to help eradicate the deadly pandemic.

“I wanted to be the first,” the father of four, who works at a prison, said.

“I was not worried.

“Actually, I was [eager] to take the vaccine. We will be rid of this disease and I would have been the first person to help end it.”

His family were supportive despite reading about side effects abroad.

“I told them that I was not worried and God is our protector.”

After his first dose, he encouraged his family and friends to take the vaccine too.

Asif Khan Fazle Subhan, 37, a bus driver with the Roads and Transport Authority, was also among the first vaccinated last week.

“I tell those who are worried to look at me. I am a living example that nothing will happen to you,” the father of two from Pakistan said.

“I feel absolutely fine and this is a huge opportunity.”

The vaccines are available at six DHA health facilities: Zabeel Primary Health Care Centre, Al Mizhar Primary Health Care Centre, Nad Al Hamr Primary Health Care Centre, Barsha Primary Health Care Centre, Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre and Hatta Hospital.

UAE residents can register and book appointments for vaccination through the DHA app or through the toll-free number 800-342.