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Covid vaccine UAE: I got my second shot and I feel safer

Dubai - A first-person account by KT journalist about taking the second shot of China’s Sinopharm vaccine.

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By Hesham Salah

Published: Mon 4 Jan 2021, 6:57 PM

Last updated: Mon 4 Jan 2021, 7:03 PM

I received the booster dose of China’s Sinopharm novel coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine on Monday — 21 days after I took my first jab.

The second jab makes me feel much safer and secure against the raging contagion.

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Now, I am waiting for the 'Golden Star' or the alphabet 'E' on my profile on Al Hosn mobile application (app), which is likely to happen in another seven days.

Those who have this will be exempt from many measures that Abu Dhabi has enforced in a bid to rein in the spread of the viral outbreak. They will be allowed to use emergency traffic lanes while entering the emirate. They also don’t need to furnish negative PCR test results when they enter Abu Dhabi.

I also don’t need to undergo a PCR test even if I stay in Abu Dhabi for more than six days.

I’m also exempt from quarantine restrictions, if I travel outside the UAE and return to the country via Abu Dhabi.

This is how I went about receiving the second jab:

Similar to my first attempt to get the first dose, I started the day early on Monday.

I visited the same facility, Emirates Field Hospital, which is operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

However, unlike my initial visit to the facility, which had proved to be a breeze, Monday’s trip appeared to be time-consuming, as scores of cars had lined up in a queue in front of my vehicle.

Fortunately, the queue was moving at a fast clip, unlike my first visit.

I received a token number (159) upon entering the hospital. The hospital authorities were attending to token number 120, when I entered the premises.

My turn came within 15 minutes.

I found that the facility has opened two more buildings since my first trip and now all three premises are operational.

The rapid pace of administering Covid-19 jabs can be attributed to Seha’s overnight expansion of Emirates Field Hospital.

I had a word with a doctor, who was available at the visitors’ waiting enclosure.

He said that after taking the second jab, I would receive a confirmation message of being administered both the doses.

I feel secure once again, after a year full of uncertainties. Happy New Year 2021!

Full coverage: How to get a Covid vaccine in UAE

>> Emirate-wise list of centres to get jab

>> All your questions answered: Part 1 and Part 2

>> Who can't take the vaccine?

>> Step by step guide to get free jab in Dubai

Hesham Salah

Published: Mon 4 Jan 2021, 6:57 PM

Last updated: Mon 4 Jan 2021, 7:03 PM

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