Book an appointment to get the vaccine
Vaccines against COVID-19 are available throughout the UAE, free of charge for medically eligible citizens and residents, according to the priority announced by the UAE’s health authorities from time to time.
Book an appointment with any one of the authorities:
Vaccines will be administered to the following people on priority. They are eligible to walk into most vaccination centres and clinics without an appointment:
- UAE nationals and their household workers
- Senior citizens and residents (those who are 60 years old and above)
- People of determination
- People with chronic illnesses
- Those working in the health and education centres.
What are the procedures to get the vaccine? What are the possible symptoms after vaccination?
Watch this short video to get your queries answered. Watch this video on steps and priorities to take the vaccine.
Find out more details in COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Guide (PDF, 2.45 MB) which was released by DHA and from the website of Weqaya.
For emergencies or any side effects from the vaccine, call MoHaP on 800-111-1.
Note: For latest news and updates about COVID-19 vaccines, location and appointments, follow the health authorities on Twitter via the following handles:
Related links
Exemption from COVID-19 vaccine
Criteria for exemption from COVID-19 vaccine
The following categories of people are exempt from COVID-19 vaccine according to Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) and Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH):
- those who are currently infected with COVID-19
- participants of the vaccine’s clinical trials
- pregnant women
- those who were previously infected with COVID-19 (after medical evaluation)
- those who received the COVID-19 vaccine outside the UAE
- those who have experienced severe allergies to vaccines or components of vaccines or those who may have an illness that conflicts with the vaccine
- children below the age of 16.
Read about exempted categories in Dubai in this COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Guide (PDF, 5 MB).
How to apply for COVID-19 vaccine exemption certificate
In Abu Dhabi, you can apply for an exemption certificate by visiting a medical centre. The centre will submit a report to Department of Health - Abu Dhabi for approval. You will receive a text message on whether your application is approved. If approval is granted, it will be reflected on the Al Hosn app.
In Dubai, contact the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) at toll free number 800342 to learn how to apply for vaccine exemption certificate.
If you are a UAE citizen or resident from emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah, and are eligible for exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine, you can apply for a COVID-19 vaccine exemption certificate to MoHaP.
Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine
On 9 December 2020, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced that it had officially registered the ‘Beijing Institute of Biological Products’ inactivated vaccine’, known as ‘Sinopharm vaccine’ which was developed jointly with Sinopharm - CNBG (China National Biotec Group).
As per MOHAP, Sinopharm-CNBG’s interim analysis of the phase III trials of Chinese-made Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine, it has:
- 86 per cent efficiency against COVID-19 infection
- 99 per cent seroconversion rate of neutralising antibody
- 100 per cent effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease.
Furthermore, the analysis shows no serious safety concerns.
Who can get the vaccine?
Priority is given to citizens and residents above the age of 18, particularly, the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.
Sinopharm vaccine requires two doses. The first dose is taken following an assessment of the patient’s health and the second dose is taken after a period averaging between 21 to 28 days.
Where can I get the Sinopharm vaccine?
Sinopharm vaccine is available throughout the UAE.
View the list of MoHaP's vaccination centres in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.
Refer to the list of COVID-19 vaccination centres in:
The vaccine is also available at SEHA's drive-through centres and the following locations:
- Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Abu Dhabi City - from 7 am to 10 pm
- Al Ain Convention Center, Al Ain City - from 7 am to 10 pm
- Dubai Parks & Resort, Dubai - from 8 am to 5 pm
- Madinat Zayed Wedding Hall, Al Dhafra - from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
Find more information on SEHA’s website.
View the list of DHA vaccination centres in Dubai.
The vaccine is also available at several private hospitals across the UAE, free of charge.
Earlier, in September 2020, the UAE authorised the emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccine for frontline workers, as they are the most at risk of getting COVID-19. The Sinopharm vaccine was used in the UAE’s ‘4Humanity’ campaign, which hosted the first global clinical Phase-III of an inactivated vaccine to combat COVID-19 back in July 2020.
Contact MoHaP for queries and appointments.
Emergency use of COVID-19 vaccine approved for heroes in the first line of defence
In September 2020, the UAE Government authorised the emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine; making it available to heroes in the first line of defence. The decision aims to protect the heroes since they are at most risk due to the nature of their work. The use of the vaccine will be fully compatible with the regulations and laws that allow a faster review of licensing procedures.
The evaluation of the vaccine for emergency use was based on:
- a declaration by the global health authorities of an emergency leading to a serious or life-threatening disease or condition
- the availability of scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of the product intended for emergency response
- the safety of the use of the vaccine
- the evidence that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks.
The evaluation was carried out for emergency use, taking into account the following:
- the target groups
- product characteristics
- preclinical and clinical study data
- population study and all relevant available scientific evidence.
Read news coverage on WAM.
National Policy on Vaccinations
Updated on 06 Jun 2021
