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The initiative is in line with the capital’s efforts to make health care more accessible to all community members
Pharmacies in Abu Dhabi have started vaccinating against Covid-19 and offering PCR tests. The initiative is in line with the UAE capital’s efforts to make healthcare more accessible to all members of the community.
Al Thiqa Pharmacy on 1st Zayed Street (commonly known as Electra Street) is the first pharmacy in the city to offer in-house services. To date, five pharmacies have successfully completed the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) accredited course for administering Covid-19 vaccines. Apart from Al Thiqa Pharmacy (Abu Dhabi City), the other four are Al Manara Pharmacy in Yas Mall (Yas Island) and Al Ain Pharmacy (Al Ain Mall, Al Hili and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium).
“In February, the Ministry of Health contacted us to ask if we were interested in having our pharmacists trained to become licensed vaccinators. We accepted the opportunity. Our pharmacists were excited. This was done by certified trainers About 2 weeks of training provided. The training covers how to get vaccinated, what to do in the event of an allergic reaction and CPR (CPR – an emergency life-saving procedure),” Zakieh Abuelkhair, Pharmacy Operations Manager at Al Thiqa Pharmacy, told Khaleej Times.
After theoretical studies, there were practical sessions in hospitals where pharmacists had to deliver Covid-19 vaccines and PCR services.
“Our skills are assessed. Once we pass, we can get a certificate and get an official license.”
Al Thiqa Pharmacy has been remodeled within the pharmacy to create an area where vaccines and PCR tests are available. They have a DoH-approved site and its facilities. Soon, Al Thiqa Pharmacy is expected to start offering such services at another of its facilities at Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street (commonly known as Muroor Street).
walk-in, vaccinated
In the pharmacy, there are three main areas: registration, vaccination room, and observation space, where people can walk directly in or book an appointment for a vaccine or PCR test.
“There is an on-site registration with personal details and Covid-19 vaccines taken in the past. We check if it is the person’s first dose, second dose or booster. Then they check their vital signs. The person is told to take Covid-19. -19 Potential side effects of the vaccine. Once we get their consent, the vaccine is given. Then the person has to sit in the observation area for 15 minutes.”
The pharmacy is equipped with all amenities and also has emergency response protocols.
“We make sure our community pharmacies are fully equipped to deliver vaccines to DoH standards. There should be medicine refrigerators in the vaccination area to store vaccines between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. There is a specific area to prepare the vaccine and make sure it doesn’t Sun exposure. Have an anaphylaxis kit with epinephrine medication in case any anaphylaxis occurs.”
Pharmacies need to work with nearby hospitals, just in case.
All future vaccinations
Pharmacies will soon be able to offer all types of vaccines, including flu shots, Zakieh said.
“So far, we have only provided Sinopharm vaccines. Pfizer vaccines will be provided in the near future. Later, other immunization services, such as seasonal flu, will be provided.”
The pharmacy began offering vaccine and PCR services on July 29, coinciding with the announcement by the Ministry of Health that such services would be available in nearby areas.
“We have people coming in for the first shot. Community feedback has been great. They’re all happy that the service is easily available in their community. It’s easy for them to come in for a jab or PCR.”
UAE national Mohammed Ahmed, who was vaccinated, applauded launching such an initiative.
“I appreciate health regulators providing PCR and vaccination services in our community. It’s already convenient. In a pharmacy, you also feel at ease compared to a hospital or clinic. Plus, the staff are well-trained and friendly,” Ai said. Hamed said.
Farooq Asghar, head pharmacist at Al Thiqa Pharmacy, noted that the Covid-19 vaccine is provided free of charge, the PCR test costs Dh40 and the results are available within 12 hours.
“We also provide test results within 2 hours, but at different prices. Appointments for Covid-19 vaccines and PCR tests can be booked. We have a male and a female pharmacist,” Asghar said.
Zakieh noted that the role of the pharmacist is booming.
“They are involved in the immunization service, which is strengthening their role in the public health service,” she added.
step-by-step process
- A person can make an appointment or walk into the pharmacy.
- They need to provide their Emirates ID for registration.
- Details of past Covid-19 vaccines have been verified.
- Vital signs will be checked, including temperature and blood pressure.
- They will need to complete and sign the Covid-19 Vaccine Consent Form.
- They can then sit in the waiting area until it is their turn.
- A certified pharmacist will administer the vaccine.
- They must sit in the observation area for 15 minutes.
- Finally, they can have their vaccination card stamped.
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