All about the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE
From implementing strict precautionary measures to conducting widespread testing, no stone has been left unturned when attempting to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the UAE. In early December 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE became available to residents and citizens across the country, marking a new milestone in the country’s fight against the coronavirus. Find out all you need to know about the UAE COVID-19 vaccine, including eligibility, cost, procedure and where you can get inoculated.
Which COVID-19 vaccines in the UAE are available for public use?
There are currently two UAE COVID-19 vaccines being administered to the public. These are:
- The Sinopharm vaccine: An inactivated vaccine developed by Sinopharm CNBG’s Beijing Institute of Biological Products, which was officially registered in the UAE on December 9, 2020. As per official reports on the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Sinopharm vaccine in the UAE has an efficacy rate of 86%. This UAE COVID vaccine is available to citizens and residents across the country.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine: On December 22, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced the emergency registration of the mRNA vaccine by Pfizer in the UAE. As per reports on WAM, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine in the UAE, which is reported to have an efficacy rate of 95%. Dubai announced the start of its vaccination campaign using the Pfizer COVID vaccine on December 23, 2020.
- Update: Previously, the DHA only administered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. However, the authority recently announced that it is rescheduling appointments for those who were to receive the first dose amid a global supply crunch.
How many doses are required for the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE?
Both the Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines consist of two doses, which are administered three weeks apart.
What is the cost of the COVID vaccine in the UAE?
The COVID vaccine is currently being offered free of charge to residents and citizens in the UAE.
However, married women under the age of 50 years are required to take a pregnancy test, which may carry an additional charge in private clinics and hospitals.
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in the UAE?
The Sinopharm COVID vaccine in the UAE is currently being offered by DHA and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). However, pregnant women, those who are severely allergic to vaccines, those whose heart rate and blood pressure are not stable, and other specific categories of people, are excluded from receiving the UAE COVID-19 vaccine.
While DHA is rolling this out in a phased manner for select categories as detailed below, MOHAP is offering the vaccine based on whoever registers for an appointment.
The DHA’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign for the Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai targets the following categories in Phase 1:
- Emiratis
- Dubai residents who are aged 60
The DHA’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign for the Pfizer vaccine in Dubai targets four major categories in Phase 1:
- Senior individuals (aged 60 and above), people of determination and people with chronic medical conditions
- Frontline workers in the public and private sectors
- Workers in vital sectors
- All individuals who want to get vaccinated as per approved local and international protocols
How to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE
Learn more about where you can receive the UAE coronavirus vaccination in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates:
Dubai
Residents can receive the Dubai COVID vaccine at the Dubai Parks and Resort Field Hospital. As per the hotline of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) hotline, 800-50, it is not required to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment to receive the vaccine in Dubai. The timings for the Dubai Parks vaccine centre is 09:00 am – 05:00 pm.
For the Pfizer vaccine in Dubai, you can book an appointment via the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) hotline, 800-342. Alternatively, you can register and choose a date for the vaccine on DHA’s mobile application.
The seven DHA health facilities that are currently administering the free Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai are:
- Al Mizhar primary Health Care Centre
- Al Safa Primary Health Care Centre
- Zabeel Primary Health Care Centre
- Nad Al Hamr Primary Health Care Centre
- Al Barsha Primary Health Care Centre
- Uptown Mirdiff Medical Fitness Centre
- Hatta Hospital
The DHA health facilities that are administering the free Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai are located in:
- Nad Al Hammar
- Al Twar
- Al Mankhool
The MOHAP Public healthcare centres administering the free Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai include:
- Al Ittihad Health Center (Available for Families – Medical staff – Educational staff only)
- Hor Al Anz Health Center
- Al Qusais Health Center
Those interested in getting vaccinated may visit the above-mentioned healthcare centres. Additionally, all registered persons are required to sign a consent form.
According to the CEO of the COVID-19 Vaccination Steering Committee, Dr Farida Al Khaja, the Dubai Health Authority’s vaccination plan will also include more centres to meet demand.
Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital announced around 97 locations where residents can get the free COVID-19 vaccine. These include SEHA Health Centres, VPS healthcare facilities as well as NMC hospitals and medical centres. Take a look below at how to book appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine in Abu Dhabi:
- SEHA Health Centres: It is not required to book a prior appointment to take the UAE COVID vaccine at SEHA-affiliated health centres, as per SEHA’s hotline.
- VPS Healthcare Facilities: You can book appointments via the toll-free number 800-5546 or WhatsApp at 056-538-0055. You can also book an Abu Dhabi vaccine appointment online, through the website www.covidvaccineuae.com
- NMC Healthcare Facilities: You can book your appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine in Abu Dhabi via the toll-free number: 800-662.
Searching for ‘where to take COVID vaccine in Abu Dhabi’? Here are all the locations where you can receive the vaccine against the coronavirus.
SEHA COVID VACCINE CENTRES
The UAE COVID-19 vaccine can be administered in any SEHA facility in the capital city. Apart from 40 locations, the full list which can be found on the institution’s official website, here is where individuals can get vaccinated for the virus in Abu Dhabi:
HEALTH CENTRE | LOCATION |
|---|---|
HEALTH CENTRE Al Zaafarana Centre Diagnostic and Screening Centre | LOCATION Abu Dhabi |
HEALTH CENTRE Al Bateen Health Centre | LOCATION Abu Dhabi |
HEALTH CENTRE Mohammad Bin Zayed City Health Centre | LOCATION Abu Dhabi |
HEALTH CENTRE Khalifa City Health Centre | LOCATION Abu Dhabi |
HEALTH CENTRE Al Maqtaa Health Centre | LOCATION Abu Dhabi |
HEALTH CENTRE Oud Al Taibah Diagnostic and Screening Centre | LOCATION Al Ain |
HEALTH CENTRE Hili Health Centre | LOCATION Al Ain |
HEALTH CENTRE Al Yahar Health Centre | LOCATION Al Ain |
HEALTH CENTRE Al Muwaiji Health Centre | LOCATION Al Ain |
HEALTH CENTRE Mezyad Health Centre | LOCATION Al Ain |
HEALTH CENTRE Al Dhafra Clinic in Madinat Zayed | LOCATION Al Dhafra |
HEALTH CENTRE Madinat Zayed Hospital | LOCATION Al Dhafra |
HEALTH CENTRE Ghayathi Hospital | LOCATION Al Dhafra |
HEALTH CENTRE Al Mirfa Hospital | LOCATION Al Dhafra |
HEALTH CENTRE Delma Hospital | LOCATION Al Dhafra |
LOCATIONS FOR VPS COVID VACCINE
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Hospital | LOCATION Al Najdah Street, Abu Dhabi |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Medical City | LOCATION 28th St, Mohamed Bin Zayed City |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Medeor 24×7 Hospital | LOCATION Al Falah St, Zone 1 |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY LLH Hospital | LOCATION Muroor Road, Zone 1E3-02, Abu Dhabi |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Medical Center(s) | LOCATION Makani Mall; Deerfields Mall; Al Zeina; Yas Mall; Marina Mall |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Day Surgery Center | LOCATION Al Reem Island |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Oasis Medical Center | LOCATION Beda Zayed |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Tajmeel Kid’s Park Medical Centre | LOCATION Emirates Park Zoo and Resorts |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Lifecare Hospital | LOCATION Near Village Mall, Mussafah |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Lifecare Hospital | LOCATION Baniyas |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY LLH Hospital | LOCATION M7, Al Mussafah |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Occumed Clinic | LOCATION Mussafah Industrial |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Oasis Medical Center | LOCATION Madinat Zayed |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Medeor International Hospital | LOCATION ‘Asharij Bida Bin Ammar, Al Ain |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Royal Hospital | LOCATION Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Al Ain |
VPS HEALTHCARE FACILITY Burjeel Medical Centre | LOCATION Barari Mall |
NMC COVID VACCINE LOCATIONS
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY NMC Specialty Hospital | LOCATION Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi |
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY NMC Royal Hospital | LOCATION Khalifa City |
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY NMC Specialty Hospital | LOCATION Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, Al Ain |
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY Bareen International Hospital | LOCATION Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi |
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY NMC Royal Medical Centre | LOCATION Karama, Abu Dhabi |
NMC HEALTHCARE FACILITY NMC Royal Medical Centre | LOCATION Shahama, Abu Dhabi |
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company has also recently opened two new vaccination centres in the capital — at the Al Ain Convention Centre and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. Both centres are capable of collectively administering around 6,000 shots daily.
A full list of UAE COVID-19 vaccination centres in the UAE is available on the official website of the Department of Health (DOH).
There are also certain neighbourhood councils that are offering the Abu Dhabi corona vaccine.
Northern Emirates
If you’re looking for centres that offer the UAE COVID-19 vaccine in Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, here are some health centres to consider:
COVID-19 VACCINATION CENTRES IN SHARJAH
Including medical facilities in the emirate’s central and eastern regions as well as the private sector, here is where residents can recieve a UAE COVID-19 vaccine in Sharjah:
Vaccine Centre | Contact |
|---|---|
Vaccine Centre Mughaider Suburb Council | Contact +971-6-557-9979 |
Vaccine Centre Khalidiya Health Center | Contact +971-6-183-1351/2 |
Vaccine Centre Al Madam Health Center | Contact +971-6-882-1122 |
Vaccine Centre Maliha Health Center | Contact +971-6-802-3583 |
Vaccine Centre Al Lulueyah Health Centre | Contact +971-9-238-8111 |
Vaccine Centre Dibba Al-Hisn Health Center | Contact +971-9-244-3037 |
Vaccine Centre Al Zahra Hospital | Contact +971-6-561-9999 |
Vaccine Centre Zulekha Hospital | Contact +971-6-565-8866 |
Vaccine Centre Central Private Hospital | Contact +971-6-563-9900 |
Vaccine Centre Khorfakkan Health Center | Contact +971-9-208-1950 |
VACCINATION CENTRES IN UMM AL QUWAIN
As per the MOHAP website, there are four coronavirus vaccination centres in Umm Al Quwain:
Vaccine Centre | Contact |
|---|---|
Vaccine Centre Al Bait Metwahhed | Contact +971-6-706-9627 |
Vaccine Centre Falaj Al Mualla Health Center | Contact +971-6-802-2200 |
Vaccine Centre Al Raafa Health Center | Contact +971-6-767-1161 |
Vaccine Centre Al Khazzan Health Center | Contact +971-6-766-0399 |
VACCINATION CENTRES IN AJMAN
Featuring public and private hospitals, designated facilities where residents can get vaccinated in Ajman include:
Vaccine Centre | Contact |
|---|---|
Vaccine Centre Sheikh Khalifa Hall | Contact +971-6-703-3662 |
Vaccine Centre Al Hamidiyah Health Center | Contact +971-6-703-3606 |
Vaccine Centre Mushairef Health Center | Contact +971-6-714-7900 |
Vaccine Centre Manama Health Center | Contact +971-6-882-7324 |
Vaccine Centre Amina Hospital | Contact +971-6-711-4444 |
Vaccine Centre Saudi German Hospital | Contact 800-2211 |
Vaccine Centre Prime Medical Center IJM | Contact +971-6-525-1800 |
Vaccine Centre Thumbay Hospital | Contact +971-6-743-1333 |
VACCINATION CENTRES IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
In addition to RAK Hospital which is a private facility, medical facilities where residents in the northernmost emirate can get vaccinated include:
Vaccine Centre | Contact |
|---|---|
Vaccine Centre RAK Hospital | Contact +971-7-207-4444 |
Vaccine Centre RAK Exhibition Center | Contact +971-7-56-121-5459 |
Vaccine Centre Al Jazeera Health Center | Contact +971-7-246-9222 |
Vaccine Centre Al Mareed Health Center | Contact +971-7-202-4999 |
Vaccine Centre Al Munaie Health Center | Contact +971-4-820-5333 |
Vaccine Centre Shawka Health Center | Contact +971-6-502-7100 |
Vaccine Centre Kadra Health Center | Contact +971-6-802-1999 |
Vaccine Centre Wadi Asfni Center | Contact +971-6-803-5888 |
VACCINATION CENTRES IN FUJAIRAH
Vaccine Centre | Contact |
|---|---|
Vaccine Centre Thumbay Hospital | Contact +971-9-205-3888 |
Vaccine Centre Al Sharq Hospital | Contact +971-9-224-9999 |
Vaccine Centre Madinah Health Center | Contact +971-9-222-4811 |
Vaccine Centre Mureshid Center Health | Contact +971-9-222-7099 |
Vaccine Centre Bidya Health Center | Contact +971-9-238-9138 |
Vaccine Centre Murbeh Health Center | Contact +971-9-238-0705 |
Vaccine Centre Quraya Health Center | Contact +971-9-236-5135 |
Vaccine Centre Hala Health Center | Contact +971-9-244-8115 |
For the full list of COVID vaccine centres in the Northern Emirates, visit the official website of MoHAP. Alternatively, you can contact the official health authorities for more information at 800-11111.
What to expect when going for the COVID vaccine in the UAE
Remember to take your Emirates ID card when going to take the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE. You will have your vitals and medical history checked, following which you must sign a consent form. Please bear in mind that married women below the age of 50 years will be required to do a pregnancy test, as pregnant women cannot take the vaccine.
After receiving the vaccine, you will be required to wait at the facility for 30 minutes, when your vitals will be checked again to ensure there are no serious side effects. You will also be given an appointment to take the second dose of the vaccine after approximately three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the common questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Do you need to pay for the COVID vaccine in the UAE?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE is currently being offered for free to citizens and residents.
When will the Pfizer vaccine in Dubai be available to the public?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced that Dubai citizens and residents can now apply to take the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
Do I need to wear a mask after getting the UAE COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, those who have received the vaccine are not exempted from wearing masks or taking PCR tests. All precautionary measures will still apply to such residents. For a better understanding, check out the official guidelines for face masks in Dubai.
Can I stop taking safety precautions after I am vaccinated?
No, those who receive the vaccine are still required to adhere to necessary precautions against the virus, like wearing a mask and practising social distancing.
Who is not eligible to receive the vaccine?
At present, these categories of people are not allowed to take the vaccine:
- Pregnant women
- Women planning pregnancies for the next three months
- Individuals under the age of 18
- People with immunodeficiency medical conditions
- People who have food allergies or are allergic to any food or medicine
- People who carry self-injectable adrenaline
Is the UAE COVID-19 vaccine mandatory in the UAE?
The vaccination is optional. There are also no travel restrictions for those who choose not to get vaccinated as they will still be required to undergo coronavirus tests where applicable.
Will I experience any side effects?
You may experience some mild side effects after using the vaccine like pain on the administration site, fatigue or headaches. Concerned participants may visit the nearest hospital or contact relevant health authority.
That wraps up our guide to the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE. Even if you have been vaccinated, please make sure to stay safe and responsible.
What are the fines for violating coronavirus restrictions in the UAE?
Take a look at our updated list of fines for violating COVID-19 restrictions in the UAE.
If you want to get tested for the coronavirus, here’s a list of COVID-19 testing centres in Dubai. In addition, here’s where to get tested for COVID in Abu Dhabi.
Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in the UAE to combat the coronavirus with MyBayut!
