The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced that the desired number of participants aged 3 to 17 has been met for the Sinopharm immune bridge study. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the study followed the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing the infection rate and severity of symptoms among target groups.  

The study examined a sample size of 900 children of different nationalities who met the eligibility requirements of the study. Following full parental consent, all young volunteers were closely monitored and received care at every step of the process.

The immune bridge study implemented all applicable medical protocols in accordance with the highest international standards and practices. Once available, the study’s preliminary results will be announced and will support the planning process for the safe and healthy return of students to schools.

Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, Principal Investigator for Phase III Trials COVID-19 vaccine and Chief Medical Officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, stated that, “The enrollment registration for this study has been successful as we have attracted the desired number of children within a short period of time. I would like to thank everyone who took the initiative to register and participate in this study to support the country’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This reflects the public’s confidence and trust in the UAE’s long-term recovery plan and in the competence of the healthcare sector of the country.”

In addition, DoH praised the significant role played by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) in implementing the procedures and handling the medical protocols to ensure the objectives of this study were achieved.

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to have conducted a study of the vaccine’s effectiveness for this age group. Other vaccine manufacturing countries, such as China, the United States, United Kingdom and India, have also performed similar clinical trials over the past few months.