In the latest initiative against Covid-19, Abu Dhabi has begun offering free vaccinations to tourists. These free Covid-19 vaccination services were previously restricted to UAE citizens and residency visa holders only.
According to Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), both visitors with visas issued by Abu Dhabi and passport holders eligible for tourist visas when they arrive in the UAE through Abu Dhabi can book free Covid-19 vaccines.
“Yes, holders of valid visit visas and tourists can take vaccines in Abu Dhabi. They can book through the SEHA application,” said a call centre executive with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).
However, the free vaccination for foreigners is only available in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, for now. No announcement regarding the availability of this facility in Dubai or five other states of the UAE has yet been made yet.
It should be noted that previously the free vaccination facility in Abu Dhabi was available only to local citizens or those with a permanent residency visa in the state.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office people whose residency or entry visa has expired, can also be vaccinated.
During the recent recession caused by the Corona pandemic, many lost their jobs or run out of businesses while many suffered travel bans. The travel restrictions resulted in the expiration or cancellation of visas or residency visas of many.
As per UAE health officials, 85 per cent of those eligible for the vaccine this month have received a single dose of the vaccine but did not say how many have been vaccinated so far with both doses.
Corona cases have been on the rise in the UAE over the past month, while Abu Dhabi is still subjected to restrictions such as PCR tests and quarantine at home.
People from other states in the UAE have to test to enter Abu Dhabi and make sure that they are not infected with the coronavirus.
While the Abu Dhabi administration seems determined to halt the spread of the global virus, visitors from 27 countries, including China, Germany and the United States are yet exempted from quarantine restrictions.
SEHA executive also said that the visitors can take either Sinopharm or Pfizer, the two vaccines being administered in Abu Dhabi.
Previously on June 11, The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee approved providing free Covid-19 vaccines to everyone with an expired residency or entry visa, for their safety and health, and in consideration of the exceptional circumstances resulting from the pandemic.
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