Students across Abu Dhabi have been quick to respond to a new pop-up vaccination center at Yas Mall, with hundreds of students aged 12 years and above, including university students, receiving Covid-19 vaccinations ahead of the new academic year 2021/22.
Organized by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Mubadala Health and Yas Mall, the pop-up vaccination center is open daily from12pm – 8pm until August 7.
“I took today the first step towards a safe return to school, especially as this is the first time that I return to face-to-face learning since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic,” said 14-year old Omar Ahmad Adnan. “I am already looking forward to meeting my friends and teachers whom I did not meet all last year. I would like to encourage my friends to get the vaccine as it guarantees our safe return to school, and help protect our community.”
The vaccination pop-up is in-line with recent protocols issued by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, which mandates all pupils aged 16 and above, as well as staff and all visitors, must be fully vaccinated with a UAE approved vaccine before they return to face-to-face learning or access school premises, whether within or outside school hours. All vaccinations must be verified on the ALHOSN app prior to returning to school.
Students aged 12 years and above opting for face-to-face in-school learning for the new term are also encouraged to receive a Covid-19 vaccination for their own safety.
“We are excited to be able to return to school for the next academic year,” said Hamdan Obaid who came to the pop-up vaccination center with his younger brother. “We are fully aware that getting the vaccine is a key enabler for a safe return to school. I miss the times I used to have with my friends during break times, and the unique learning experience in classroom. My brother and I did not hesitate to receive the vaccine at the pop-up vaccination center, which offered a streamlined experience to receive the vaccine and confirm the date for the second dose.”
Students with vaccination exemptions can enter school premises provided the exemption is verified on the ALHOSN app or via an official letter from a Department of Health -Abu Dhabi authorized vaccination provider, such as SEHA or Mubadala Health.
Dedicated to Abu Dhabi-based students, the pop-up vaccination center in Yas Mall offers Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. To avoid overcrowding, one guardian only may be present with students aged below 18 years old. While bookings are not required, students must only present their Emirates ID card and ALHOSN App. Students 16+ must show a one-month valid PCR test as a prerequisite to being vaccinated. Abu Dhabi students may also get a COVID-19 vaccine at any official vaccination center in Abu Dhabi. For more information on the Yas Mall pop-up vaccination center, please visit https://bit.ly/3iffjEB
