UAE COVID-19 vaccine: 600 jabs given daily at Abu Dhabi drive-thru centre

Khaleej Times recently took a guided tour of the facility, where residents could get the jab in just 20 minutes from the comfort of their cars. Jabs are administered daily between 9am and 8pm, and the centre has a maximum capacity of 700 people.

The country targets to vaccinate more than 50 per cent of the population by the end of the first quarter, as announced on January 5. Empowering the UAE’s efforts, since January 16, VPS Healthcare Group has been operating the drive-thru centre at the newest facility of Burjeel Medical City in another example of a successful public-private partnership in the fight against the pandemic.

Earlier this week, Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), visited the centre and noted that vaccinating the most vulnerable groups is a crucial responsibility.

The entire process is streamlined with a dedicated lane in front of Gate No. 2 of the hospital. There are four tents raised for the vaccination drive, starting with a vetting process where a security guard will verify one’s Emirates ID and check if the motorist has come for the first or second dose, as there are different eligibility criteria. Only those eligible will be allowed to proceed into the drive-thru facility.

According to health authorities, the vaccination is temporarily offered only to the elderly. So, people aged above 50 years, those suffering from chronic diseases, and people of determination can take the first dose. People have to bring a certificate from a doctor to prove they are suffering from chronic diseases. However, anyone can take the second jab by showing proof of taking the first one.

Then, there are three tents that serve as a one-stop facility for registration, checking of vital signs, and vaccination. The motorist can easily exit the facility without having to step out of the vehicle for any procecedure.

Dr Koshy Georgey, chief of cardiac sciences and acting medical director, said the entire process takes under 20 minutes. “We have created this facility to offer easy and convenient access to the community members.”

Dr Ibrahim Husni Abugheida, head of the department of radiation oncology, urged people to take the jab. “We all want our lives to return to normalcy. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated in line with the UAE’s goal.”