The reported new strain of COVID-19 fast spreading in most parts of Europe would not affect the efficacy of the vaccines invented for the disease, according to a statement of the UAE Government.
Dr. Omar Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, Official Spokesman of the UAE Government, said: “Clinical research has not indicated the ability of new mutations of the virus to thwart the effectiveness of the vaccination response, and researchers have confirmed before the emergence of the new mutation that human immunity is fighting the mutated versions of the original virus more effectively than before.”
He added that viruses are among the most rapidly developing organisms, making them volatile and constantly changing. Thus, explains the emergence of a new mutation in Europe.
This, as the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines shipment from Brussels arrived in Dubai on Tuesday night, the Government of Dubai Media Office announced.
“#Dubai receives first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines transported from Brussles to Dubai on @Emirates SkyCargo flight,” wrote the Dubai Media Office on Twitter.
Based on the photos shared by the media office, airport staff can be seen offloading the shipment and shifting it to SkyPharma facility.
According to a statement released by the Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management on Twitter, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be available for all residents free of charge.
“#Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management: Extensive vaccination campaign against Covid-19 kicks off in Dubai on Wednesday. Vaccination will use Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine and is free of charge.”
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention announced the emergency registration of the vaccine late on Tuesday.
