UAE approves Pfizer, Sputnik COVID-19 booster shots for over 60s, eases school rules

UAE approves Pfizer, Sputnik COVID-19 booster shots for over 60s, eases school rules

Health officials in the United Arab Emirates have approved the emergency use of COVID-19 booster shots of Pfizer-BioNTech and Russia’s Sputnik vaccine for approved groups.

During the UAE’s weekly COVID-19 briefing, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said booster shots should be give to individuals six months after receiving their second dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

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The groups that should take the booster shot are senior citizens and residents over the age of 60, people with chronic diseases, or at risk of complications (aged 50-59), and people receiving long-term health care (aged 18 and above).

“We emphasize that the booster is given as an additional dose that is given after receiving the first two vaccine doses. The booster should help improve immunity after vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections decreases over time,” NCEMA tweeted.

This announcement does not apply to the groups who have received Pfizer-BioNTech or Sputnik booster doses after being fully vaccinated with Sinopharm, NCEMA said.

NCEMA said it would also be continuing to phase out some existing rules and regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19 as the UAE continues to lead the world in global vaccination rates.

“We underline the need for social