Dubai expands COVID-19 vaccination drive; revises age criteria

All valid Dubai residence visa holders aged 40 and above can now register to receive COVID-19 vaccination at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facilities.

Elderly residents aged 60 and above with a valid visa issued in any emirate can also register for the vaccine, provided they can prove they are residing in Dubai.

The DHA has also expanded the age limits for receiving the jabs.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can now be administered to all individuals 16 years and above, instead of 18 years.

Meanwhile, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine can now be administered to anyone aged 18 and above, instead of those between 18-65 years.

Furthermore, GCC nationals with a valid Emirates ID can also now get vaccinated at DHA facilities.

Appointments can be booked through the DHA App or DHA Contact Centre (800 342). 

With the new additions, the targeted categories include: all Emiratis (16 years and above), elderly residents aged 60 and above living in Dubai, all valid Dubai residence visa holders aged 40 and above, Dubai residence visa holders with chronic diseases or in the people of determination category (16 years and above), in addition to frontliners and vital sector workers.

Appointments for frontliners and vital sector workers will be scheduled in coordination with government departments and the institutions they work for.

"The ongoing expansion of the vaccination campaign is based on a strategic plan developed by the Authority late last year, which outlines progressive phases and timelines based on global best practices and guidelines," said Dr. Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHA’s Clinical Support Services & Nursing Sector and Chairperson of the COVID-19 Vaccination Steering Committee.

Under the directives of @HHShkMohd, the #Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announces that all valid Dubai resident visa holders aged 40 and above can now register to receive COVID-19 vaccination at DHA facilities.https://t.co/SQqDH92jJ0 pic.twitter.com/A3TcowAY7Y

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2021