COVID-19 Update for Patients
COVID-19 Update for Patients
January 07, 2022 – DOCFAB health Staff
Stop the Spread
The UAE is reporting record numbers of new COVID-19 cases. The Omicron variant is spreading quickly: The UAE is reporting record numbers of new COVID-19 cases. The Omicron variant is spreading quickly. Please follow the DHA, MOHAP, and CDC’s recommendations for staying safe and the latest updates.
If you are eligible, we urge you to get a booster shot. Initial data indicates that it considerably increases your protection against Omicron and other variants.
Testing for COVID-19
We do not do COVID-19 vaccination and at present, we are only testing people who have COVID-19 symptoms, and we require an appointment. If you don’t have symptoms but have been exposed or plan to travel or attend social gatherings, testing is available throughout the UAE. You can find a location here, or do an internet search to locate clinics or other facilities that offer to test.
Boosters
Your best protection is to get vaccinated and get your booster shot at the appropriate interval. We strongly recommend that everyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine, or a booster dose, or a third dose not to wait but grab the opportunity immediately.
Government agencies made several announcements this week about COVID-19 booster shots. Boosters are now authorized for people 12 years of age and older. Here is the appropriate timing for your booster:
- Pfizer-BioNTech: Five months after your second dose
- Moderna: Six months after your second dose
Children ages 5-11 who have undergone solid organ transplantation or are immuno-compromised are now eligible to receive a third primary series dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Additionally, booster doses, third doses, and initial vaccine series are also available at multiple locations across Dubai and the rest of the emirates. If you are eligible, we encourage you to visit the DHA clinics and vaccination locations to choose the date and place most convenient for you.
Visitor Policies
For everyone’s safety, we are limiting visitors to our facilities. Due to the rapidly evolving situation, our visitor policies could continue to change in the days and weeks ahead. Be sure to review our visitor policies before you plan to visit our clinic or accompany them to an outpatient appointment. We are truly sorry for any inconvenience these measures create for you or your family, and we appreciate your understanding.
Know Before You Go
We’re also asking for your patience when visiting your doctor to ensure we are here for those who need us most. We will continue to deliver the outstanding, personalized care for which we are known, but it may take a bit longer right now if your situation isn’t urgent. The rapid spread of Omicron means we face a shortage of staff in our physician offices and critical care locations, and while all our places are open, you may need to wait longer than usual to be seen. Despite these challenges, we continue to manage our patients’ needs safely.
Our staff is always focused on your health and safety, and we are incredibly grateful for your understanding as we prioritize care for the individuals who need us most. We will continue to keep you informed as new information becomes available.
