All about getting the Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai
Early in December 2020, the UAE Government approved the use of the Sinopharm COVID-190 across the country. This inactivated coronavirus vaccine is manufactured by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products, in collaboration with Sinopharm – the China National Biotec Group (CNBG). The UAE was the first country to approve its use outside China and the vaccine shows test results of of 86% effectiveness.
Here is a guide to how you can receive the Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine in Dubai, with information about vaccination centres, eligibility, cost and more.
Overview
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) approved the use of the Sinopharm vaccine in the country in response to the application from Sinopharm CNBG. MOHAP, in collaboration with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, reviewed the interim analysis of the phase III trials of Sinopharm vaccine which proved it to be 86% effective. The ministry used the vaccine for emergency purposes in September 2020 to protect frontline workers.
- MOHAP contact: 800-111-11
Who can get a Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai?
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced on March 20, 2021, that all eligible citizens and residents above the age of 16 years can now get the COVID vaccine in Dubai through MOHAP.
However, the Dubai Health Authority has been focussing on vaccinating vulnerable groups in the first phase, such as:
- Emiratis who are 16 years old or above
- All senior citizens who are aged 60 or above
- Dubai residents who are 40 years old or above
- Vital sector workers and front-liners
- People of Determination
How to book an appointment to get a Sinopharm vaccine shot in Dubai?
There are several ways to book a COVID-19 appointment in Dubai. We have listed all of the options here in detail:
Book an appointment for the Sinopharm vaccine via Dubai Health Authority App?
Dubai residents can use DHA’s app to register themselves for a Sinopharm vaccine. Here is how it can be done:
- Download the DHA’s app via the Play Store or App Store.
- Log in to the app by entering your DHA account info or UAE Pass.
- Proceed further by selecting the ‘Book COVID-19 Vaccine’ option.
- Answer all the questions that appear on the screen, carefully. This is to evaluate your eligibility.
- Choose your nearest vaccination centre and pick a suitable time to visit.
- Check all your entries carefully before confirming your appointment.
- DHA will send you a confirmatory SMS.
That’s all that you need to do to register your appointment via DHA’s app.
Book your vaccination appointment via the DHA’s hotline in Dubai
You can also book your appointment by calling the DHA’s hotline. The process for on-call appointment making is quick and smooth. Here’s how it goes:
- Call the DHA’s hotline on 800-342
- Listen to the automated options and select ”Covid-19 vaccinations” by pressing the corresponding number on your keypad.
- Select the Sinopharm vaccine from the available menu options by pressing the corresponding number on your keypad.
- You will be connected to a DHA customer service representative.
- Answer the questions asked by the DHA customer service representative. Please note – You will be asked to provide your Medical History Number.
If you meet the necessary criteria, your appointment will be booked, and you will receive a confirmation SMS (to the mobile number attached to your Emirates ID) shortly after your call to the DHA ends.
Note: It is suggested that you read the consent form prior to booking a vaccination appointment in Dubai. You can access the consent form on the DHA’s official site.
Book a vaccination appointment via the SEHA’s hotline in Dubai
Residents can call SEHA’s hotline at 800-50 to get an appointment or download the SEHA App for the same purpose. Here is how you can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment via the SEHA app:
- Download the SEHA App on your device.
- Log in to the app.
- Select a suitable time slot from 09:00 am onwards.
- Choose the most convenient facility for you.
- Review all the details and confirm your appointment.
SEHA’s authorised COVID-19 vaccination centres cater to walk-in appointments as well. Anyone going for walk-in appointments should have their Emirates ID with them. It is also recommended to read the consent form available on the official website of the DHA before going to the medical facility to have your vaccine shot.
Book a vaccination appointment via MOHAP’s COVID-19 UAE app in Dubai
You can also book an appointment through MOHAP’s dedicated COVID-19 UAE mobile app.
Simply download the app, submit your personal details such as Emirates ID and choose your preferred location, date and time to take the vaccine. You will receive an OTP on the mobile number you have submitted, following which your appointment will be confirmed.
Vaccination centres for Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai
Residents in Dubai can get a Sinopharm vaccine at the following public hospitals:
Al Ittihad Health Center
- Location: Umm Amar Road, Al Safa – Dubai
- Contact: 800-11-111 | +971-4-342-1005
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Daily)
Note: This facility caters to families, educational staff and medical staff only.
Hor Al Anz Health Center
- Location: 46, 16th Street, Deira, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-266-6978 | +971-4-215-3999
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm (Daily)
Al Qusais Health Center
- Location: Al Qusais, Al Qusais 1 – Dubai
- Contact: +971-2-615-325 | +971-4-231-6400
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Daily)
SEHA’s National Screening Centres in the following areas also offer the Sinopharm vaccine:
- Dubai Parks and Resorts (Dubai Parks and Resorts Field Hospital)
- Mina Rashid
- Khawaneej
Procedure for getting the Sinopharm vaccine in Dubai
Those visiting the facility centres in Dubai for vaccination against COVID-19 go through a procedure that ensures a safe and effective experience. Upon reaching the vaccination centre, the medical staff will first explain the process and check your vitals: height, weight, temperature and blood pressure. Women will also have to take a quick pregnancy test, as it is not advisable to take the vaccine during pregnancy.
The next step is to sign the consent form before taking the vaccine jab. After taking the first dose of Sinopharm vaccine, visitors will be given the appointment for the second dose of the vaccine. They will have to return to their vaccination centre in 21 to 28 days for a second dose.
FAQs
Can people get a Sinopharm vaccine shot at home if they are unable to visit the centre?
Yes, elderly residents and others who are unable to visit the facility centres can book a home visit appointment for the Sinopharm vaccination in Dubai.
What is the cost of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai?
The Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine is free for UAE residents.
Are there any side effects of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine?
The UAE government has run a trial for Sinopharm vaccine with 31,000 volunteers to observe the vaccine’s effectiveness and side effects. The reviewing of the vaccine showed no serious safety concerns and hence, it is considered that the vaccine has no major side effects.
Where to go for COVID-19 testing in Dubai?
There are many centres for COVID-19 tests in Dubai. Residents can also opt for drive-through COVID-19 National Screening Centres in Dubai for a more efficient service experience.
How effective is the Sinopharm vaccine?
Sinopharm vaccine prevents both, mild and severe coronavirus cases. According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), trials have proven it to be 86% efficient against the virus.
How is the UAE fighting with COVID-19 pandemic?
The UAE Government has taken a number of initiatives against the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from its vaccination campaign, the government has taken various measures to prevent coronavirus in the UAE in order to curb the spread of the virus.
That concludes our guide on how to get the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai. The UAE Government is currently running a comprehensive coronavirus vaccination campaign in the UAE. Here’s our guide for those interested in getting the Pfizer vaccine in Dubai.