Abu Dhabi is offering a free Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine booster dose to people via walk-in facilities at over 100 vaccination centres across the emirate the health authorities announced.
Since this booster dose will enhance immunity and antibody response, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is offering it to those individuals, who received their second dose at least six months ago and are eligible for an additional dose, However, those people must go to the same healthcare entities from where they received their earlier doses.
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Earlier this week, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson, the UAE Health Sector, said priority to receive the additional jab would be given to senior citizens and people with chronic diseases. This is in line with DoH guidelines received by the hospitals last week state that a booster shot is to be given to people requesting the dose after an interval of 6 months from the second dose.
While medical experts too have urged for giving booster doses to people with less immunity and also those suffering from chronic illnesses, Dr Hosani reiterated the booster dose strengthening immunity against the many strains of the coronavirus, especially in the light of the spread and emergence of the new mutants.
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She also highlighted the need for an annual vaccine against Covid-19 such as seasonal influenza vaccine that is given annually. (AW)
