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Reuters file photo used for illustrative purpose

Reuters file photo used for illustrative purpose

UAE Covid vaccine: What to do if you get infected after taking first dose

Dubai - If the Covid infection required hospitalisation, a doctor determines whether a second dose of the vaccine is necessary.

Published: Tue 16 Feb 2021, 7:02 PM

Updated: Tue 16 Feb 2021, 7:11 PM

  • By
  • Dhanusha Gokulan

A person who gets infected with Covid-19 after taking the first dose of the vaccine can take the second shot after complete recovery, officials of the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) said on Tuesday.

“For people who have been infected after taking the first dose, and in case of asymptomatic or minor symptoms, we advise them to complete the second dose after full recovery,” explained Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE health sector.

If the individual’s symptoms are moderate or severe and require hospitalisation, the patient is advised to consult a doctor. “(The doctor will) perform the necessary immunity test to determine whether a second dose is needed,” Dr Al Hosani said.

Most of the Covid infections among vaccinated individuals happen after the first dose and due to exposure to the virus in the community, she added.

“This is happening before the formation of sufficient immunity within body, which is expected to be reached at least two weeks after the second dose.”

Since the launch of the national vaccination campaign, over 40 per cent of the UAE’s total population and about 48.6 per cent of the elderly population have been vaccinated against Covid-19, the authorities said during a briefing on Tuesday.

As on February 16, Mohap has administered over 5.19 million vaccine doses. The country's rate of doses per 100 people stands at 52.56.

Vaccination, Dr Al Hosani said, is the best way to defeat the pandemic, as the higher the rate of vaccination in society, the higher the immunity rate. “This would lead us closer to total recovery, and get us closer to reaching collective immunity,” concluded Dr Al Hosani.

The ministry has urged all residents to commit to taking the second dose of the vaccine. "This will ensure the highest rate of prevention of the disease. We also urge all residents to continue preventive measures even after taking both doses."

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com



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