Covid-19: More than 2.3 million people vaccinated in Dubai

Health authorities in Dubai have confirmed that in the six months since the Covid-19 immunization drive began in the emirate, over 2.3 million people have been vaccinated.

The rate of vaccination in the targeted groups has reached 83 per cent. Of the targeted group, 64 per cent have received both doses of the vaccine.

According to data shared by state-run Dubai Media Office, people over 65 years of age are 94 per cent less likely to need hospital care two weeks after receiving the second dose of the vaccine.

A look at the figures and facts as #Dubai marks 6 months since the launch of its vaccination drive. pic.twitter.com/WjcuAWiIOT

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 13, 2021

They added that almost 20 per cent of the targeted group have not received any vaccine. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) confirmed that 8 out of every 10 people infected with Covid-19 were not vaccinated.

Also, 9 out of 10 people who have been admitted to hospital and required intensive care were not vaccinated.

Dr. Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHA’s Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector and chairperson of the Covid-19 Vaccination Steering Committee said in May that the DHA’s aim was to vaccinate 100 per cent of the eligible adult population in Dubai by the end of 2021.

#DHAanswers
Can a person who recently got #COVID19 take the vaccine? pic.twitter.com/3P7GSVfkO5

— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) June 13, 2021

In response to a query of whether those who have recently recovered from the virus are still eligible for the vaccine, the DHA took to Twitter on Sunday to say that mild cases or cases without symptoms can take the first dose of the vaccine after completion of the 10-day isolation period.

If the infection was moderate or severe and required hospitalization, the timeframe after which they can receive the vaccine will need to be determined by the medical team that treated that individual.

Currently, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccines are being administered in Dubai. In May, following emergency approval granted by the health authorities, registrations were opened for those between the age of 12-15 to receive the vaccine.

Read: Covid-19 vaccine: Dubai opens bookings of Pfizer shot for 12-15 age group

There are around 17 private healthcare service providers in Dubai who can administer the vaccine, in addition to all DHA vaccination centres.

Read also: Covid-19 vaccines: Dubai opens direct appointment bookings at private healthcare facilities

In a related developments, Chinese nationals above the age of 16 on short-term visit visas are also now able to receive the Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai, administered by the DHA.

Read more: UAE: Chinese visitors can now receive Covid-19 vaccines in Dubai

Overall in the UAE, the total number of doses administered as of June 13, stands at 13,808,426 with a vaccine distribution rate of of 139.61 doses per 100 people.