Living In UAE

Reader complaint

UAE: Can I take the COVID-19 vaccine before I travel?

Will the vaccine affect PCR test results, which are required for international travel?

Published: March 11, 2021 16:42 Last updated: April 20, 2021 17:43 Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

1 of 7

If you are about to travel internationally, does taking a COVID-19 vaccine affect the PCR test results that you would be required to take for travel purposes? This was the query shared by a Gulf News reader. — Planning to travel? Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

2 of 7

She said: “I'm travelling to India and I need to take a mandatory COVID-19 test 72 hours before travelling. Also I'm planning to take my first dose of vaccination before my travel date … — Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

3 of 7

… but I am not sure if taking the vaccine might affect my PCR test result. Even though I will take the vaccine after taking the test, I would need to do another PCR test when I land in India … — Will the vaccine affect the PCR test's result? Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

4 of 7

“… Is it possible that because of the vaccine I might get a false positive on the PCR test? Please help.” — Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

5 of 7

In a press briefing on March 2 by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), people in the UAE were informed that taking the vaccine would not result in a positive COVID-19 test result. — Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

6 of 7

Dr Farida Al Hosani, Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, asserted that the vaccine cannot be a reason for a positive result as the vaccine does not contain the active virus that causes the disease. Thus, the vaccine cannot infect you. — Image Credit: Supplied

7 of 7

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for the elderly in particular, to raise immunity and reduce the chances of complications,” Dr Farida said. — Image Credit: AFP

Browse by Categories

Related stories

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.