UAE parents proudly share their COVID-19 vaccination photos

"IF EVERYONE WHO CAN GET A VACCINE DOES, WE WILL NO LONGER BE IN A PANDEMIC": Dr Rania Ayat Hawayek (drraniadxb) is the Owner and Medical Director of Circle Care Clinic in Dubai, a specialist paediatrician and the mother of three children. She recently received her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, after having experienced no side effects from her first dose, except from mild pain at the injection site. She says, “Many of us have been posting similar pictures simply to raise awareness of the importance of working together as a community to beat COVID. If everyone who can get a vaccine does, then we will no longer be in a pandemic.”

“When I choose to do this, I'm not just doing it for myself,” continues Dr Rania, “I'm doing it for the safety of my family, my patients, my community and the world!” As a medical doctor as well as a mother herself, Dr Rania is well placed to highlight the benefits of vaccination. “If you haven't done so yet, please get your information from reputable sources, look at the dangers of an infection with COVID-19 and the unarguable and obvious benefits of vaccination,” says Dr Rania. “Thank you to the DHA and the UAE for giving us access to this solution to the biggest global problem we have or will ever face.”

"SO EXCITED TO BE EMBARKING ON A NEW AND HOPEFULLY MORE COVID-FREE CHAPTER": Egyptian/Canadian TV presenter, content creator and mother of two boys Dina Butti (@DinaButti) posted about her experience receiving the Sinopharm vaccine. “First doses done and feeling so excited to be embarking upon a new and hopefully more COVID-free chapter,” she says. “We went to @sehahealth at @dubaiparksresorts this morning to get vaccinated with Sinopharm - it took about two hours (go early or make an online appointment), was well organized, included a brief checkup (urine sample for the ladies to make sure you’re not pregnant) and didn’t hurt at all.”

Dina attended the appointment with her Emirati husband, Omar, who is also a TV presenter. She explained that they opted for the Sinopharm because of “its tried and tested approach and it has shown positive results so far… We felt like Sinopharm is a good option which the majority of the population will be vaccinated with, and we opted for what is available to us now. We are eager to protect ourselves and our parents as much as possible and as soon as possible, so for us that was priority.” Neither Dina nor her husband experienced any side effects from the vaccine and she says they feel “so grateful to live in a country where vaccines are accessible to every single resident free of charge!”

"GETTING VACCINATED WAS THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER": Dubai-based Irish expat, fashion stylist and mum of two Irene Feeney celebrated her birthday by getting vaccinated. “How I spent my birthday yesterday - getting the Pfizer vaccination,” says Irene. “I think it was a case of being in the right place and at the right time which enabled me to get this yesterday at the new vaccination centre in One Central beside the World Trade Centre and I feel beyond lucky and so grateful - it helped that it was my birthday too.” She says that she had a sore arm for about 24 hours afterwards, and then a day or two later started experiencing some mild side effects like headaches and tiredness, although nothing too bad.

Irene explains:“It was very efficient from registration to when the vaccine was administered. Very professional, smooth and everyone was so friendly. We were updated on our phones with emails and text messages (plus a certificate) to say when our second dose will be administered next month.” She says getting the vaccine on her birthday was the “#bestpresentever”.

"VACCINATED AND PROUD OF IT!": American-Pakistani Faiza Ali is a Dubai-based mum and Instagrammer (@Faizaali) who has been in the UAE for 6 years. She says she is, “Vaccinated and proud of it!” She posted her experience with some FAQs: “Where did I get it done? Al Ittehad Health Center, Al Safa. Did it hurt? Nope. Did I have any after effects? Not yet. Will keep you all honestly updated. Cost? It was FREE! How long was the wait? Less than 20 mins for me but 1hr+ for Ali. Can we get appointments? Yes. I walked in, though. Females’ lines run super fast! Which one did I get? Sinopharm because that’s what’s available. Why? Because that’s what’s an option for me and most UAE residents. Plus; UAE has actively been part of trials since last summer for it.” She urges others to make the same choice as her: ”If you have the options available to you then GET YOURSELF VACCINATED.”

"THANK YOU UAE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET VACCINATED WITH SUCH EASE AND EFFICIENCY": Zeyna Sanjania is a family and lifestyle blogger @Mummyonmymind, a doodle artist and mum to a 6-year-old and 2-year-old. She and her husband got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on 5 January. “My husband and I got the Sinopharm vaccine at the Emirates Field Hospital by SEHA, located in Dubai Parks and Resorts. Free of any cost. Emirates ID card is mandatory. We went in on a walk-in basis, and did have to wait a couple of hours, but mostly in the safety of our own car. Best to bring snacks and things to keep you busy during the wait. You can also make an appointment on the SEHA app. Once inside, it was a very smooth process overall. They kindly fast-tracked us for the registration because we had our little boys with us, and were taken to get our vitals checked (temperature & blood pressure). I was asked to sign a declaration that I was not pregnant and we were informed about the potential side effects such as headaches, fever, fatigue and the courses of action to take in case we got them. Take note, females trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding are not allowed to take the vaccine.”

Once inside they saw the doctor, who approved everything, and then headed into the vaccine room. “The nurses were gentle and lovely, answering all of our questions. A quick prick, and we were done! I love that even though the nurse was a non-muslim, she uttered ‘Bismillah’ before injecting me,” says Zeyna. “We were asked to wait a while and had our vitals rechecked after the vaccine was given. Social distancing was maintained very well the entire time we were in the hospital. Our next appointments for the second dose were clearly noted and given to us.” Zeyna says that neither she nor her husband experienced any side effects, while also noting that it is still necessary to wear masks and socially distance even after having the vaccine. “Thank you #UAE for the opportunity to get vaccinated with such ease and efficiency, in the safe hands of smiling health workers,” says Zeyna.

"VACCINATION IS THE ONLY WAY WE HAVE TO MOVE ON AND PUT THIS STRESSFUL TIME BEHIND US": Gemma Altarriba is the founder of baby swimming specialists Swimming Wonders, which also run pregnancy fitness swim sessions Aqua Bumps (@swimmingwonders). She explains why she wanted to get the vaccine: “I feel this is the only way we have to be able to move on and put this last stressful year behind us. Covid-19 has not only affected people financially but also mentally and we have lost dear family members to this. It is a choice, and this has been mine. For me, I want to be able to protect my family and friends and all the families and children who swim with me and I hope all can return to normal soon.”

"WE'RE PUTTING OUR TRUST IN SCIENCE": Emily Liden, mum of two and blogger at @Dubaioursandbox, says she and her husband’s decision to get vaccinated was out of a sense of duty to the community: “After weeks debating theories, opinions, yes/no, which one, when and where? We decided to give our trust. Trust in science and act with civil duty to move forward and to protect our family and the more vulnerable. Are you getting yours?”

"WE WANT TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY": Abu Dhabi-based Egyptian mum blogger and model Hamsa @hamsaa_elmoghazy is the mum of a 4-year old and 9-year-old, who says she and her husband got vaccinated as soon as possible to help protect their daughters, their community and themselves.