The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has announced that a bridge study for children aged 3 to 17 to receive the Sinopharm vaccine is being held.
The UAE is the first country in the MENA region to conduct a study on the vaccine efficacy for this age group.
Over the past few months, China, United States, United Kingdom and India, have also started clinical trials for children.
900 children from different nationalities will be assessed on their immunity after getting the vaccine. The children will be closely monitored with parent's consent to ensure their safety.
Information will constantly be given to parents and children.
The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi has approved the study with all medical protocols in place, under the supervision of MOHAP.
Vaccinations for individuals aged 18 and above have been ongoing to provide immunity from the virus. With the increase in mutations, as well as the number of cases in children, the study will help protect children as well as those around them.
The results from the study will be made available to the public on completion and will then form the basis for when students can return to in-person learning at schools.
Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, Chairwoman of the National COVID-19 Clinical Management Committee said, “Children are the cornerstone of any society and the future of any nation. As more and more people are vaccinated in the UAE, we want to make sure that our children are able to receive the vaccine safely. This is why when we designed the Sinopharm immune bridge study we focused on ensuring all care is given to our young volunteers throughout the journey. We want both children and parents to understand every step of the process and also to know that we will be with them, supporting them, answering every question they may have, at any time.”