Helping customers understand
COVID-19 vaccinations
At Cigna, we are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed. Information related to COVID-19 and currently approved vaccines is changing rapidly.
As we step closer to the availability of the vaccine, we wanted to share information that may answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, related to:
During this time, we encourage you all to continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid crowds and keep a 6-foot (1.8 meters) social distance from others outside your immediate household.
We’re available 24/7 to assist with your health and wellbeing needs – simply contact us on the numbers available on the back of your card.
Sincerely,
Cigna Insurance Middle East
*This reference document has been created to support you and includes important links from Ministry of Health and Prevention UAE (MOHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health Bahrain (MOH), Ministry of Health Oman (MOH), Ministry of Health Kuwait (MOH), and Ministry of Health KSA (MOH), Ministry of Public Health Qatar (MOPH), Ministry of Health Jordan (MOH), Ministry of Public Health Lebanon (MOPH) and Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population.
Local authorities in each country have approved vaccines for use, after ensuring that the vaccines meet all safety requirements.
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;
Current approved vaccinations comprise of two doses, taken separately.
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.
Across the Middle East, government and regulatory authorities are regulating the distribution of vaccinations through their official websites. Country specific information is available here
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:
The first phase gives priority to
Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine:
At present, all vaccinations in UAE will be administered to the following categories on priority per direction from the regulators (Effective for a period of six weeks, as of February 7, 2021):
Sputnik V vaccine:
We will share more information about the administration of the Sputnik V vaccine, as it becomes available.
KSA
Priority is given to the following:
Qatar
The vaccine is available only to
Bahrain
The vaccine is available for all citizens and residents aged 18 years and above
Oman
The vaccine is available only to citizens and residents in high-risk groups, including:
Kuwait
The vaccine is available only to
Jordan
The vaccine is available for all citizens and residents aged 18 years and above
Lebanon
The vaccine is available for citizens and residents. Priority will be given to
UAE
Please refer to the government websites for registration information per Emirate
Abu Dhabi administered Sinopharm vaccine:
Download the SEHA app available on Google and Apple Store
Pfizer BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines:
Book an appointment through either:
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
Country-specific information is available here
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
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.
This document contains medical information related to COVID-19 and is intended for educational purpose only. The information is sourced through the official websites stated in this document. Cigna does not guarantee nor will be held liable for the accuracy of these information. This document is property of Cigna and is addressed to Cigna’s personnel, clients, insured members and distribution partners and should not be duplicated or further distributed.
Cigna® and Cigna® (Cigna) are registered service marks of Cigna Corporation and/or one of more of its subsidiaris. Products and services are provided by these subsidiaries, affiliates and other contracted companies and not by Cigna Corporation. The material provided herein is provided for information purposes only and is believed accurate as of the date of publicatin, and is subject to change. This material should not be relied upon as legal advice. Products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions and are expressly excluded where prohibited by applicable law. The material provided herein is only a general description of benefits. Please consult your policy booklet or contact Cigna for a complete listing of policy coverage and applicable exclusions and limitations. Cigna does not provide medical care and cannot predict medical outcomes.
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