Covid Omicron variant: Vaccine boosters ensure protection, says UAE official

The UAE made Covid vaccine booster shots available to all residents aged over 18 to “ensure protection from new variants” like Omicron, a top official has said.

“We urge those eligible to take a booster shot of the vaccine to protect themselves and support the national efforts to address the pandemic and Covid-19 variants,” government spokesperson Dr Farida Al Hosani said during a briefing on Wednesday.

Fully vaccinated adults in the UAE are eligible to get Pfizer and Sputnik booster shots six months after their second dose. Boosters help enhance immunity and are known to protect an individual from new Covid strains.

BioNTech and Pfizer said on Wednesday that a “three-shot course” of their Covid-19 vaccine was shown to generate a neutralising effect against the Omicron variant in a laboratory test.

‘PCR tests can detect Omicron’

Dr Farida said that PCR testing is still the best way to detect Covid and helps authorities in quick intervention.

The UAE is continuing to expand the scope of PCR testing. “We confirm that PCR tests can detect new variants such as Omicron.”

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“Those wishing to travel or return to the UAE are required to take the required tests on time,” she advised.