UAE trials Sinopharm vaccines for children as young as 3 years

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has begun a Sinopharm immune bridge study for children aged 3-17.

It will monitor the immune response to the vaccine in 900 children aged 3-17, of different nationalities and with parental consent.

This follows the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing the infection rate and severity of symptoms among target groups.

Approved by Department of Health- Abu Dhabi under the supervision of MOHAP, the study is a significant next step in combating the pandemic and providing protection for all.

The study is in line with the UAE’s long-term recovery plan, which is based on vaccinating 100 per cent of the targeted groups by end of 2021.

The study’s preliminary results will be announced once available and will support planning for the safe return to schools.

Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, Chairwoman of the National COVID-19 Clinical Management Committee and Principal Investigator of the Sinopharm immune bridge study for children, who leads the Sinopharm immune bridge study for children, said the study aims to ensure children can receive the vaccine safely and all care will be given to young volunteers during the study.

Dr Ahmed Deemas Alsuwaidi, Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Paediatrics at the United Arab Emirates University, affirmed that research so far has shown that COVID-19 vaccines are remarkably effective and safe.

Dr Ahmed Alsuwaidi added that the Sinopharm vaccine is similar in concept to other vaccines children have been safely receiving for multiple diseases and viruses for generations.