UAE started the appointment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the 12-15 age group

In line with the National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) approved the emergency use of the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine for the 12 to 15 age group on 13^th May 2021, under the outcomes of clinical trials and a strict assessment conducted to approve the emergency local use of the vaccine. Today Ministry of Health and Prevention started the vaccination and booking for children’s vaccination after completing their preparation and logistics.

The approval supports the national efforts to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and protect this age group, highlighting the UAE’s proactive approach to ensuring the community’s health and safety.

Residence can book their slots for their kids through the COVID-19 UAE Mohap app only for kids above 12 years. Kids below the age of 16 years were not allowed to take the jab in the UAE before this announcement.

The MoHAP, the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched a free national vaccination campaign for all citizens and residents of UAE to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Schools and medical practitioners are appreciating the governments this move, UAE’s largest GEMS education group posted on their social media that “At Gems Education, we choose to vaccinate – for the health and safety of our students, their families, and our staff and for the country,” the group said in the post.

Asha Alexander –Principal GEMS Legacy School said that, “Vaccination continues to be critically important as children are also being infected in larger numbers in the second wave that is sweeping across the world. Parents were initially watchful about the side effects of the vaccine in older children but they are more reassured now than ever before that this is necessary to protect themselves and others. More people have to take responsibility for their health by avoiding health risks. If schools and workplaces are to open fully, there is a greater need to ensure that students are vaccinated to make the schools a safer place”.

“Despite the low number of positive cases among children, vaccination is very important because students are gradually going back to face-to-face (learning in) schools next year. Our message to all parents is to rest assured that this vaccination will help all of us feel safe and protect the health and wellness of our children,” Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the Official Spokesperson for the UAE’s health sector, said. Dr. Farida urged all parents to vaccinate their kids and ensure health and safety.

The UAE has provided over 11 million vaccine doses to citizens and residents, and the country aims to vaccinate all eligible adults by the end of 2021. Till now 47.51 million tests have been done by authorities.

Indian national and residence of Dubai Qamar Sherwani expressed his happiness with relief said, “This is really a great initiative by the government, where my 13-year-old son is also going to come under a security cover after this vaccination. As I came to about this news, I was waiting to start the booking eagerly. As a parent, we are still waiting for my 10-year-old daughter, who is next in line to enjoy the secure feeling. I strongly advocate vaccination against Covid-19. “It’s only through collective effort that we will be able to defeat this pandemic. It is vital that everyone takes part in this drive and make the UAE’s campaign successful,” he added.