COVID-19 vaccine exemption: Who does it apply to?

Dubai: The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has announced that residents in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain can apply for an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine.

On its official social media channels, MOHAP posted an update on the procedure applicants need to follow, stating: “The higher the level of vaccination in the community, the higher the percentage of immunity in the community. But if your case is not allowing you to be vaccinated, read how to get the exemption.”

Here is all you need to know about who the exemption applies to, and how you can officially submit an application.

Who is exempt?

According to MOHAP, the following categories of people can apply for the exemption

1. Active COVID-19 patient

2. Participant in clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine.

3. Pregnant women.

4. Those who were previously infected. The exemption would be issued after medical evaluation.

5. Vaccinated recipients outside the country.

6. For those who were allergic to previous vaccines or to any of the vaccine ingredients or who are suffering from any disease that may conflict with the vaccine according to the medical evaluation

7. Children under 16 years

How to apply for the exemption

Step 1: Submit the application via the website link - http://smartforms.mohap.gov.ae/CovidVaccinationExemption/AppPages/ExemptionForm

You would first need to enter your Emirates ID number, following which the form will automatically fill in certain details like your date of birth and nationality, as per the details associated with your Emirates ID. You will, however, be asked to enter the following details:

1. Emirate of residence

2. Mobile number

3. Email address

4. Category of exemption

5. Supporting medical document

The form by MOHAP can be filled in by residents of Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Lhaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. The website clearly states that Dubai residents should contact the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on 800 342 and Abu Dhabi residents should contact the Department of Health (DoH) on 800 1717.

Step 2: The report will be automatically submitted for approval

Step 3: Application result

The applicant will receive a message of the application is approved or rejected. The approved application is shown on the Al Hosn app.