The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced a list of categories exempt from the COVID-19 vaccination. The ministry specified 7 community groups eligible for vaccination exemption, which include: individuals currently infected with COVID-19, participants in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, pregnant women, those vaccinated outside the country, past COVID-19 patients evaluated by a medical professional, individuals with severe allergies to vaccines or any vaccine components, and patients with certain medical conditions that may conflict with vaccination, as determined by medical evaluation.
**Exemption Certificate**
The ministry clarified that exempt categories can apply for a vaccination exemption certificate through approved centers, clinics, and hospitals designated according to the emirate. The attending physician will assess the request and submit the medical report for approval by health authorities, notifying the applicant of the approval or denial via text message. Once approved, the exemption will be reflected in the Al Hosn app.
The ministry urged all citizens and residents in the targeted and eligible categories to choose to receive the vaccine, emphasizing its importance in boosting community immunity and reducing the spread of the virus, thus maintaining public health. The ministry, in collaboration with local health authorities, is providing vaccination services at hundreds of centers across the country, as well as home services to facilitate vaccination for those unable to reach vaccination centers due to health conditions, as part of its efforts to vaccinate 100% of targeted groups by the end of 2021.
