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

Abu Dhabi: Sinopharm and Sputnik V

Dubai: Sinopharm, Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and the AstraZeneca vaccine.

KSA
Pfizer BioNTech

Qatar
Pfizer BioNTech

Bahrain
Sinopharm/Pfizer BioNTech

Oman
Pfizer BioNTech

Kuwait
Pfizer BioNTech

Jordan
Sinopharm/Pfizer BioNTech

Lebanon
The vaccine approved by the regulator is not yet available for public use. However, the government has initiated the process to pre-register

Egypt
The vaccine approved by the regulator is not yet available for public use. However, the government has initiated the process to pre-register.

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

UAE

Sinopharm vaccine:

The vaccine is available for all UAE nationals and residents aged 16 years and above.
Visit visa holders are not allowed to be inoculated at this time.

Pfizer BioNTech vaccine:

Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine:

Sputnik V vaccine:

We will share more information about the administration of the Sputnik V vaccine, as it becomes available.

Bahrain

The vaccine is available for all citizens and residents aged 18 years and above

Oman

Jordan
The vaccine is available for all citizens and residents aged 18 years and above

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
No appointment required. Eligible people need to visit the nearest government health center to receive their vaccine dosage.

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.

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.

At present, there is still ongoing research to evaluate the safe time-period to take another type of COVID-19 vaccine. Until the completion of detailed research on this subject, it is not advisable for people to take different types of COVID-19 vaccinations.

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.

From 16 years and above in the UAE.

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.

No information is available currently. The efficacy of the vaccine on the new strain will be determined after the conclusion of the ongoing study, which may take a month.