Dubai Offers Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to 12-15 Year Olds

A vial and sryinge are seen in front of a displayed Pfizer logo in this illustration taken January 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
A vial and sryinge are seen in front of a displayed Pfizer logo in this illustration taken January 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
TT

Dubai Offers Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to 12-15 Year Olds

A vial and sryinge are seen in front of a displayed Pfizer logo in this illustration taken January 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
A vial and sryinge are seen in front of a displayed Pfizer logo in this illustration taken January 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced on Tuesday that it has further expanded its COVID-19 vaccination campaign by opening up booking slots for 12 to 15-year-olds for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine through the ministry website or Covid-19 App.

The ministry also said that those who took the second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine at least six months ago are now eligible to receive booster shots.

This came days after MoHAP has approved the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children within that age group, following the completion of clinical trials and a strict assessment conducted to approve the local emergency use of the vaccine, as well as the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"The state’s decision to provide the Pfizer Covid vaccine to the 12 - 15 age group, in addition to the Sinopharm booster dose clearly reflects the keenness of the state's wise leadership to immunize community health as a national priority," said Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary of Health Centres and Clinics Sector, state news agency WAM reported.

"The fruitful results achieved by the national Covid-19 vaccine campaign and the high turnout of community members being witnessed by the health centers to obtain the vaccine confirm the efficiency and effectiveness of the measures taken by the UAE government and boost confidence in the health system."



Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government underscored on Tuesday the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and independence, reiterating its statement at the extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government also rejected foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, renewed support for the Palestinian people and urged the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The cabinet was briefed on Saudi Arabia’s talks with friendly nations over the past week, including the message received by King Salman from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The cabinet discussed regional and international developments, and emphasized the Kingdom's continuous efforts to foster cooperation through bilateral relations, and its membership in multilateral organizations and groups. All its efforts aim to address global challenges, promote security, and advance prosperity in the region and beyond.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary expressed the cabinet's strong condemnation of the ongoing violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. It unequivocally rejected and condemned any attempt at altering Jerusalem's historical and legal status, calling on the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for the grave violations against innocent civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine.

Moreover, the cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s latest economic assistance to Yemen, saying it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to stability in the country and helping the Yemeni people.

The support aims to strengthen Yemen's economic, financial, and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions, and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.

The cabinet reviewed the performance indicators of several key economic sectors in the Kingdom, and commended the significant growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research, and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.