Covid-19: Dubai expands eligibility criteria for vaccine

Covid-19: Dubai expands eligibility criteria for vaccine

In an attempt to expand the eligibility criteria for Covid-19 vaccinations, those who suffered from the Covid-19 infection no longer need to wait for three months to receive the jab, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced.

Recovered patients can receive the shot on completion of their isolation, provided the infection was mild or non-symptomatic.

“Any patient who had an active Covid-19 infection must wait until the completion of the isolation period to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHA's Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector and chairperson of the Covid-19 Vaccination Steering Committee.

“If the infection was moderate or severe and required hospitalisation, the timeframe for vaccination after infection will depend on the decision of the medical team that treated the patient. However, all mild cases or cases without symptoms can take the vaccine after completing the isolation period.”

Additionally, women who are breastfeeding as well as those who are planning to conceive can take the mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). This extension is in line with international studies and guidelines, official news agency WAM reported.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, CEO of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, said: “Clinical studies show that the mRNA vaccine is safe for women who are breastfeeding or planning