According to Dr. Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, people may need to get the COVID-19 vaccine on a yearly basis.
The health spokesperson made the announcement on Monday, January 25, during a virtual panel discussion.
COVID-19 Vaccination May be Recommended Every Year – Top Official
Al Hosani noted that with the emergence of the new COVID-19 variants, the public will be facing a more contagious version of the coronavirus, the Khaleej Times reported.
In line with this, she cited an example of the mutant flu vaccine which is given to communities every year.
Al Hosani then revealed that some vaccines are given to people as early as 16 years and referred to ongoing clinical studies on three vaccines that could be administered to children in the future.
She added that 40 to 50 percent of the people infected with COVID-19 do not experience any symptoms.
“Based on this, we increased focusing on old people. The earlier the detection of the virus among old people and people with pre-existing conditions, the more chance the virus can be contained,” she explained.
For her part, Sheikha Maitha bint Ahmed bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Board Chairperson of the MBAF, praised the wise leadership’s proactive vision and steps towards containing the virus and for successfully providing safe and effective vaccines.
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