International regulatory authorities determine safety and efficacy based on data obtained from different stages of clinical trials. Local regulatory authorities have approved vaccines for use, after ensuring that the vaccines meet all safety requirements.

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. They contain weakened or inactive parts of a particular organism (antigen) that triggers an immune response within the body. In other words, these vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the infection without making the person ill.

There are multiple vaccines approved by regulatory authorities across the world. Each manufacturer has chosen targeted components of the virus and/or how the vaccine is delivered within the body. Although these choices vary, the principle of creating immunity is the same.

UAE

Sinopharm, Pfizer BioNTech

KSA
Pfizer BioNTech

Qatar
Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna

Bahrain
Sinopharm, Pfizer BioNTech, AstraZeneca

Oman
Pfizer BioNTech, AstraZeneca

Kuwait
Pfizer BioNTech

Jordan
Sinopharm, Pfizer BioNTech

Lebanon
Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, Sputnik

We recommend that you share all information about your health and any ongoing treatment with the relevant authorities, prior to receiving the vaccine dosage. The following people should consult their treating physician to determine if and which vaccine may or may not be appropriate for their unique situation;

• Pregnant and lactating women
• Women who plan to get pregnant in the next three months
• Children below 16 years
• People with an immunodeficiency disease
• Those with a history of severe allergies

Current approved vaccinations comprise of two doses, taken separately.

• Sinopharm: The second administration can be between 21 and 28 days later
• Pfizer BioNTech: The gap between doses should be 21 days

For the vaccine to be effective, it is necessary to adhere to the appointment of the second dose as per the advised scheduled time.

It is recommended that you only take a COVID-19 test on consultation with your physician, who will advise based on symptoms, and/or any exposure to the virus. Local authorities do not require a COVID-19 test between the two vaccination doses.

The regulatory authorities, who have approved the vaccines after ensuring that it meets all safety requirements, have iterated that the vaccine is safe, effective and indicated for people with chronic diseases, as they are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 complications.

We recommend that you share all information about your health and any ongoing treatment with the relevant authorities, prior to receiving the vaccine dosage.

At this time across the GCC, the costs related to the COVID-19vaccine and its administration are typically being paid by governments and there should be no cost of the vaccine or its administration.

In Oman, vaccinations are being charged at a fee by the government. Cigna will incur the cost of the vaccine if the policy includes “vaccination benefit.”

Country specific information is available here

UAE
Please refer to the government websites for registration information per Emirate

• Dubai Health Authority
• Ministry of Health and Prevention
• Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA)

KSA
Registration for the test is available via the Sehhaty app

Qatar
Residents will receive an SMS and a phone call from the PHCC to book an appointment.

Bahrain
Registration is via the following link: https://healthalert.gov.bh/en/category/vaccine

Oman
Registration is via the Tarassud+ mobile app for eligible members

Kuwait
Registration is via the Kuwait MOH website: https://www.moh.gov.kw

Jordan
Registration is via the following link: https://vaccine.jo/cvms/

Lebanon
Registration is via the following link: https://covax.moph.gov.lb/impactmobile/vaccine/non-medical

At this time, the costs related to the COVID-19 vaccine and its administration are typically being paid by governments. There should be no cost for the vaccine or its administration.

In Oman, vaccinations are being charged at a fee by the government. Cigna will incur the cost of the vaccine if the policy includes “vaccination benefit.”

It is normal to have minor side effects during the first week after receiving the vaccine.

These could range from

• Fatigue and headaches
• Fever
• Pain, swelling or redness at the injection-site
• Joint pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Shivering

Generally, the mild symptoms subside without treatment.

You can go to the nearest healthcare centre or hospital or contact the relevant health authority.

Yes, it is safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is advisable to wait for four weeks after the previous vaccine (in this example, the flu vaccine) before taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
Please inform your healthcare provider about all vaccines and medication that you are taking, prior to receiving the vaccination.

If you take a certain type of COVID-19 vaccine, the second dose must be of the same type. Until the completion of detailed research on this subject, it is not advisable for people to take different types of COVID-19 vaccinations.

However, in certain regions you can take a booster shot for a COVID-19 vaccination. For instance, Dubai Health Authority has allowed Pzifer as a booster shot following the initial two doses of Sinopharm.

No, you are not exempt. Current regulations do not exempt recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine from any COVID-19 imposed safety regulations.

No, you still need to keep wearing the facemask and you must follow all precautionary measures. Current regulations do not exempt recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine from any COVID-19 imposed safety regulations.

Currently the vaccine is voluntary only.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body. Getting vaccinated also might help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from the virus and its complications.

The UAE has now approved Sinopharm vaccine to be administered to children from the age of 3 to 17 years.

The regulators administering the COVID-19 vaccine recommend that those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 can receive the shot after three months from the date of infection.

Yes, based on the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on August 16, 2021, FDA authorized vaccines help protect against Delta and other known variants.