Vaccination for the age group from 3 to 15 years is optional

46 “Covid-19” vaccination centers for groups from 3 to 17 years old

Dr. Hussein Al-Rand: “The decision to vaccinate children came after a careful scientific study, and represents an advanced step on the path to recovery from the pandemic.”

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection announced the health centers that provide the “Covid-19” vaccine, for age groups from 3 to 17 years, and this came after the Ministry announced, last week, the emergency registration of the “Sinopharma” vaccine for this age group, based on the results of clinical studies, And the strict evaluation of the emergency use permit, and the local evaluation that complies with the approved international regulations, in the context of strengthening the UAE’s efforts to combat the “Covid-19” virus, and emphasizing its proactive approach to caring for the health and safety of community members.

The ministry confirmed that the vaccine for the age group from 3 to 15 years is optional and not mandatory, and the ministry also revealed that the approved vaccine for children from 3 to 11 years old is “Sinopharma”, and for the age group from 12 to 15 years, the option will be available between “Sinopharma” and Pfizer-Biontech.

Vaccines are available in 46 vaccination centers covering the northern emirates, including 19 health centers in the Emirate of Sharjah, 10 health centers in the Emirate of Fujairah, nine centers in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, four centers in the Emirate of Ajman, three centers in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, and one center in the Emirate of Dubai.

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the vaccine for this age group, while countries that manufacture vaccines, such as China, the United States of America, Britain and India, began conducting clinical trials for them several months ago.

The Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector and Chairman of the National Committee for the Implementation of International Health Regulations and Pandemic Control, Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, confirmed that the Sinopharm vaccine against “Covid 19” is safe for children aged 3 to 17 years, based on clinical trials that have proven its safety for them. After applying all applicable medical protocols, and in accordance with the highest international standards and practices, and thus it was finally approved by the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, children in the world have received several safe vaccines against multiple diseases and viruses for decades, and the Sinopharm vaccine does not differ in the way it works from these vaccines. .

He pointed out that the decision came after a careful scientific study, and represents an advanced step in the way of recovering from the pandemic, immunizing the widest segments of society, and encouraging parents to go to the centers for providing vaccines, bringing their children with them, as vaccinating children will protect them and preserve the health of those around them. Especially the elderly, it also contributes to accelerating access to the herd immunity needed to reduce the spread of the virus.

This is in line with the recovery plan pursued by the UAE, which aims to vaccinate 100% of the target groups by the end of 2021.

Al Rand explained that the UAE topped the global indicators in the efficiency of responding to the pandemic, with the guidance and support of the leadership, with the health authorities continuing their exceptional efforts in the national campaign for vaccination against “Covid-19”, early detection of cases, and rapid intervention to prevent its complications, and the state has one of the widest and fastest Vaccination campaigns in the world.

He stressed that the results of studies confirmed that the "Covid-19" vaccine proved effective in reducing infection rates, reducing hospital admissions, intensive care, and mortality rate, so we stress its importance to protect society from complications resulting from infection.

• “Sinopharm” is safe for children from 3 to 17 years of age, based on clinical trials.

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