Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, has said that people may need to have the COVID-19 vaccine every year.
Dr Al Hosani made the comments during a virtual panel discussion organised by the Maitha Bint Ahmed Al Nahyan Foundation for Community and Cultural Initiatives (MBAF), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
She noted the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and added that the need to vaccinate annually could grow as the virus continues to mutate.
Dr Al Hosani stated this would be similar to the yearly administration of flu vaccinations.
She also said COVID-19 vaccines are being given to 16-year-olds and referred to ongoing clinical studies on three vaccines that could be administered to children in the future.
The Health Spokesperson said between 40 and 50 per cent of the people infected with the COVID-19 virus do not feel any symptoms.
Dr Al Hosani explained that "Based on this, we increased focusing on old people. The earlier the detection of virus among old people and people with pre-existing conditions, the more chance the virus can be contained."
Sheikha Maitha bint Ahmed bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Board Chairperson of the MBAF, praised the nation's leadership for containing the virus and for successfully providing safe and effective vaccines.
The UAE will chair the 164th ordinary session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the level of permanent representatives on Monday at the headquarters of the Arab League General Secretariat in Cairo.
The UAE's petrol prices will see a marginal increase in September, with one fils added to the cost of a litre, while diesel will fall 12 fils a litre from Monday.
The UAE, on Sunday, expressed its solidarity with Egypt following a train derailment in Matrouh Governorate, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Saturday visited the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until September 7.
Dubai Police have arrested a gang of three who attempted to smuggle 89,760 Captagon pills, weighing 18.931 kg and estimated to be worth AED4.488 million, hidden inside clothing buttons.
Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.
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