Dubai begins administering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Dec 23, 2020

Dubai began a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 on Wednesday. The United Arab Emirates has already rolled out some vaccines to fight the coronavirus.

The Dubai Health Authority began administering the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech. The process will take place in four stages: The first group to receive the vaccine will be Emirati citizens or residents who are 60 or older and those with chronic illnesses. Front line medical workers will receive the vaccine next, followed by workers in “vital sectors.” The final group will be anyone else who wishes to receive the vaccine, the state-run Emirates News Agency reported.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, made by the respective American and German companies, has gained approval from several countries around the world. The UAE government approved its use on Tuesday.

The UAE has already deployed some vaccines to combat the virus. In September, the government approved the use of an emergency vaccine for at-risk workers. Some high-ranking officials posted pictures of themselves getting vaccinated shortly thereafter, including director of strategic communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hend Al Otaiba. The UAE also approved a Chinese vaccine in December.

Saudi Arabia also approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and Israel is preparing to administer the shipment it received earlier this month. Egypt is considering manufacturing another vaccine developed in Russia.