Abu Dhabi offers Covid-19 vaccine for priority groups

Our Correspondent

Teachers of public schools in Abu Dhabi can register for a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine which is on trial in the UAE and three other Arab countries. An official circular sent to school principals said: “The UAE has announced the emergency use of the vaccine for frontline workers who deal with Covid-19 patients, with the aim of safeguarding these heroes and protecting them from any dangers they may face due to the nature of their work. We would like to inform you that teachers and other academic staff have been included among the priority groups for getting the Covid-19 vaccine.”

On September 19, AbdulRahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine in accordance with his Ministry’s move to administer the vaccine to frontline health workers, who are at higher risk of contracting the virus.

“The country seeks to protect people from any dangers that they may face due to the nature of their work,” said Al Owais. “Positive results of clinical trials are encouraging … The vaccine is safe and effective. It is compatible with the laws and regulations that allow a faster review of licensing procedures,” he added.

Phase III clinical trial of the Covid-19 inactivated vaccine was rolled out in Abu Dhabi on July 16.

As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHaP announced 674 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 84,916 on September 20. An additional 761 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 74,273. The Ministry added that no COVID-19-related deaths were recorded.