As many as 103,196 vaccine doses got within the final 24 hours.
The UAE’s Nationwide Vaccination Programme scales a brand new milestone of administering 15 million doses and retaining the highest rank within the vaccine distribution charge globally.
On Saturday, authorities introduced that as many as 103,196 vaccine doses got within the final 24 hours to succeed in an total 15.04 million doses at a distribution charge of 152.10 doses per 100 folks.
The achievement assumes larger significance because it comes on per week when the WHO’s Covid-19 epidemiological replace revealed the Delta variant – a extra transmissible pressure of Covid-19 – being reported in 85 nations worldwide, together with GCC nations barring the UAE.
Medical consultants lauded the UAE’s administration of Covid state of affairs until date with RT-PCR testing, monitoring and tracing app, world-class therapy, quarantine and isolation amenities, strict norms together with journey curbs and border restrictions boosted by the most effective vaccination charge.
Nevertheless, the Delta variant is posing new challenges because it’s spreading quickly: 85 nations (June 22), 80 (June 15) and 74 (June 8).
Regardless that no new variants had been reported within the UAE, docs famous that the risk from Delta and Delta Plus had been a reason for concern.
Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, specialist inner medication, Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah, mentioned each the variants are 40 per cent extra infectious, 100 per cent extra transmissible and extremely contagious.
“The variants pose larger danger of hospitalisations, affecting extra in youthful folks, and extra proof against well being controls and prevention measures.”
Medical doctors underlined the affect of the UAE’s vaccination marketing campaign in “retaining the state of affairs beneath management”. They mentioned the vaccination photographs proceed to be the “handiest device” in opposition to any variant, together with the Delta and Delta Plus.
Dr Umar Majid, specialist pulmonologist, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain, mentioned: “The Delta variant was seen extra amongst those that weren’t vaccinated. To stop an infection and severe well being points, unvaccinated folks must be inspired to take the jab.”
Dr Phalguna Kousika Katakam, specialist paediatrician, Dar Al Shifa Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, famous although vaccination cuts the possibilities of hospitalisation in circumstances contaminated with Delta variant.
“Full vaccination with the presently out there vaccines prevents hospitalisation even within the Delta variant. Whereas the Delta Plus is a newer variant with a brand new spike mutation, and its impact is but to be studied.”
On Delta Plus, Dr Gupta mentioned the mutant variant appears to be escaping human immunity and confused on the significance of vaccination.
“The variant may be proof against the antibodies produced by vaccines or past-Covid infections produced antibodies or new monoclonal antibody cocktail. Subsequently, early mass vaccination continues to be the mainstay of prevention, together with isolation and different measures to restrict the unfold.”
Requested how docs can detect if a brand new affected person is contaminated with the Delta or Delta Plus variant, Dr Majid identified that absolutely vaccinated people will likely be least affected.
“It is extremely tough to know on a scientific foundation {that a} affected person is contaminated by a special variant of coronavirus, suspicion must be excessive in non-vaccinated, single-dose recipients, those that journey exterior the UAE, take part in any worldwide occasions inside or exterior the UAE.”
In the meantime, Dr Katakam lauded the UAE’s initiative in vaccinating youngsters aged 12 and above.
“Full vaccination with two doses is the important thing to controlling the severity of the illness in future variants. Vaccines for 1-12 years is beneath examine and hope to provide constructive outcomes on the management of the pandemic and newer variants.”
Medical doctors have urged those that nonetheless stay unvaccinated to take the free jab. Presently, Sinopharm, Hayat-Vax, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V and Oxford-AstraZeneca are being provided to the eligible group along with the availability of booster doses.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com