Over 65 percent of those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the United Arab Emirates have been fully immunized, the government announced on Wednesday.
With a population of nearly 10 million, the UAE has administered a total of 9.5 million vaccine doses as of April 20 with over 5 million people having received their first dose and nearly 4 million received a second dose. Vaccines are currently available to residents and nationals over the age of 16.
According to the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), close to 75 percent of the elderly above the age of 60 have been vaccinated against the virus.
The authority also said, “the effectiveness of the vaccine ranged from very good to excellent,” adding, a “very low” percentage of those who received the second dose have tested positive.
Meanwhile, infected individuals experienced “very mild” symptoms and “only a small percentage” was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Health authorities are expected to share results of an ongoing study “once completed,” the NCEMA added in its announcement.
