The world’s first Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 being held in the United Arab Emirates have reached a major milestone with over 5000 volunteers having now received their first vaccination.

The 5000^th vaccination was given in the presence of Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, the Acting Undersecretary Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, at the recently developed purpose-built walk-in registration, screening and testing centre at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).  Dr. Al Kaabi was the second participant in the vaccination programme and received his second shot this week.

The trials began in Abu Dhabi on 16^th July and are being managed by G42 Healthcare in partnership with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).

The inactivated vaccine has been developed by Sinopharm CNBG, the world’s sixth largest vaccine manufacturer.

A sense of nationwide pride and shared commitment has led to over 80 nationalities in the community already volunteering to participate, inspired by the UAE Leadership’s commitment to overcome the pandemic through a global collaborative effort.

The ADNEC facility can manage 1000 volunteers  a day and is open daily from 8am to 8pm to allow the maximum number of individuals to participate. A second walk-in centre is also now operational at the Al Qarain Health Centre in Sharjah with a daily capacity of 500.