UAE to trial Sinopharm Covid vaccine in kids aged 3 to 17

UAE to trial Sinopharm Covid vaccine in kids aged 3 to 17

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has initiated a Sinopharm "immune bridge study“ for children aged three to 17 years. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi will implement all applicable medical protocols "in accordance with the highest international standards and practices“. The UAE is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to conduct a study of the vaccine's effectiveness for this age group. The study's preliminary results will be announced once available, and will support the planning process for the safe return to schools. Other vaccine manufacturing countries, such as China, the United States, United Kingdom and India, have also begun conducting clinical trials for this group over the past few months. The study aims to monitor the immune response to the vaccine in 900 children of different nationalities. This will help prepare the authorities to vaccinate "children in the near future“. Each child will participate with the full consent of their parents and be closely monitored, with their safety the most important concern of the study. Parents and children will be given details and support at every step of the process. Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, Chairwoman of the National Covid-19 Clinical Management