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UAE Covid vaccine: 3 million doses and counting

Dubai - Amid the challenges posed by coronavirus and new variants, health experts stressed that vaccination is the most effective way towards herd immunity.

The UAE is countering the challenges posed by the rising number of Covid-19 cases and threats from the new variants of the virus with its aggressive nationwide vaccination drive. Achieving a new milestone, more than 3 million doses were administered across the country till Friday.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) tweeted: “137,956 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine were given in the last 24 hours, to reach 3,006,601 as a total number of doses and with a rate of 30.40 doses per 100 people as vaccine distribution.”

However, the number of Covid-19 positive cases continued to remain high at 3,962 on Friday, after recording 3,966 on Thursday. The number of recoveries dropped to 2,975, while it was 3,294 on Thursday. Taking proactive countermeasures, the health authorities offered 33,756 doses in the past 24 hours, almost double than 17,430 given on Thursday. The local authorities are taking all possible steps to contain the spread of the virus.

Appreciating the tireless efforts, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, praised the local health authorities and involved stakeholders for the milestone achieved as part of an exceptional campaign.

Amid the challenges posed by coronavirus and new variants, health experts stressed that vaccination is the most effective way towards herd immunity.

Dr Osama Ahmed El Gharib, Medical Director, Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah, urged community members, who have so far remained hesitant, to come forward and take the jab.

“It is very heartening to see that the vaccination in the UAE has touched 3 million. This is a remarkable achievement. Vaccination is the only and most efficient way to fight and defeat the Covid-19 pandemic and the UAE is on the right track. In this hour, all residents must come together and become a part of this fight.”

Dr El Gharib reminded vaccinated people to continue taking all the precautionary measures.

“It is our responsibility to take the vaccine and join the fight against Covid-19. Having said this, it is more important that we follow safety precautions strictly even after vaccination to protect ourselves and others.”

There are three vaccines available in the UAE. Chinese Sinopharm is available for mass use, Pfizer-BioNTec is available for Dubai residents and last week Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use.

Medical experts said that Sinopharm offers 100 per cent protection against severe forms of the infection. Earlier this month, Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, Chairperson, National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee, in an interview with Khaleej Times underlined that treatment and vaccination for various strains remained the same.

“Strains are common and yes, various strains have been detected — but with these small changes, the treatment, management and vaccination method remain the same,” she had noted.

Citizens and residents can take the vaccines free of cost at more than 205 centres across the UAE.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com