carbolic

Hi
Given that the UAE is the first country to make the Sinopharm vaccine widely available I would love to hear from those on the ground what the local mood is and what evidence of take up there is etc.
Many thanks

csdf

From anecdotal observation, I'd say 30% are enthusiastically trying to get it, 20% (military, healthcare) are being forced to get it, 20% are against getting it and the remainder are waiting to see.

carbolic

Thanks csdf. Any word on the raw numbers vaccinated daily if you come across them would be great.
Found some media articles on the vaccine centers and hours of operation. Many were only open for four hours a day which I suppose reflects the delivery logistics etc.
If UAE can get a 60% or more take up and the vaccine is 86% effective as they say the infection rates should tumble.
Good luck and thanks again.

UKMS

Whilst its a great initiative by the UAE, personally I have mixed feelings about taking the Sinopharm vaccine and I’m still undecided. Whilst its not mandatory for residents I can see the time coming when it will be mandatory for a new or renewal visa alongside the other health tests. I can also see it being heavily ‘encouraged’ in condensed areas and labour camps.

I think its too early to get any meaningful numbers.

Interesting times though !

csdf

Also, those holding out hope for other vaccines being offered here have another think coming. When was the last time you went for any vaccine and had a choice of options to pick from?

UKMS

with the flu vaccine there was a choice as the vaccines differed slightly from hospital to hospital.

scrubbedexpat141

Sounds about right.

I'd probably prefer the Oxford vaccine but that's just because the Chinese aren't to be trusted, but that's just my prejudice.

I think the comment that it'll be a decision taken out of our hands soon seems right.

Pongo

I’ve had the vaccine, so has my wife and numerous friends.

csdf

As far as I am aware, this year the only choice was to go to a hospital that was offering the wrong flu vaccine (the southern hemisphere one) or go to a hospital that was offering the right one (the northern hemisphere equivalent).

Millhouse

are you saying that isn’t a choice?

csdf

It's a choice if you have the nous to check beforehand. Most people only found out after they'd had the wrong jab and looked up the vaccine in Google afterwards.

carbolic

Interesting approach not to prioritise the vaccinations to the most vulnerable etc.
Does this mean there are ample stocks available?
Pongo..care to share some more on the vaccine process

Pongo

Initial consultation with a Doctor, asking about allergies and medical history etc. First injection on the same day, second 3 weeks later. Urine sample for females..

UKMS

out of interest where did you get it done ?

assuming the urine sample is simply pregnancy ?

Benny80

I took the Sinopharm vaccine last week at a SEHA centre in Abu Dhabi. Walk in with no appointment required. Approx.1 hour process. Doctor asks regarding allergies and general health questions. I asked if they needed to prioritise high risk people due to limited supply as i am relatively young so not particularly high risk. Doc said no and that vaccine is available to anyone over 18 years of age.
Naturally i would prefer a non Chinese version. My thought process / decision was along the lines of its 1) probably better to have the Vacc rather than not take it and possible catch the real thing without having been vaccinated. 2) Whilst i have been getting out and about a bit in covid times i have been a little cautious. Keen to get back to freely meeting friends / having fun and travelling.

I'm interested to here from others on how they find the mood here in the UAE. Friends i talk to are generally getting on with their lives. Partying, eating out and social social activities are happening but all slightly subdued and cautious. To me it feels around 75% back to normal here although business appears generally tough and lots of people leaving due to redundancy.