Dubai: Covid-19 vaccinations can now be booked over WhatsApp

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has introduced a service that allows those eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine within the emirate to book their appointments through WhatsApp.

To access the 24×7 WhatsApp hotline, users will have to add 800 342 to their contacts and send a message with the word “Hi” on WhatsApp. To book for the Covid-19 vaccine appointment, users must submit their Medical Record Number (MRN).

They can then select the vaccination centre and the appointment date and time as per their convenience.

. @DHA_Dubai now provides an option to book the #COVID19 vaccine via WhatsApp. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/dOJR1Oyv0g

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 31, 2021

The AI-enabled system will provide the earliest appointment options in the selected centre. Users will then receive a confirmation message with the name of the centre, date and timing of their appointment.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s been important more than ever before to connect the public with official sources of accurate health information. We are pleased to be able to partner with the DHA to help provide the community in Dubai with a quick and simple way to book their essential vaccines via WhatsApp,” said Ramez Shehadi, managing director for Facebook MENA.

The automated chatbot application is a free service, available in multiple languages, and was initially developed to raise awareness among the public and provide them with accurate information about Covid-19 as well as other DHA services.

Over 150,000 COVID-19 queries have already been addressed through this Whatsapp service, reported Dubai Media Office.

“Through the use of AI technology and this additional channel to book an appointment for the Covid-19 vaccine, we aim to provide community members with the utmost convenience. The new service will further bolster our vaccination drive,” said Fatma Al Khajah, director of the Customer Happiness Department at DHA.

Al Khajah added that the new system operates round-the-clock and provides customers the opportunity to instantly book an appointment as per their convenience.

Up until now, the health authority has been providing the public with the option of booking the vaccination through the DHA app. The vaccines are available for free for those aged 12 and over. Customers who are 60 and above can call the DHA’s helpline number 800 342 to book an appointment over the phone itself.

Dubai plans to vaccinate all eligible adults within the emirate by the end of the year.

Read: Dubai aims to vaccinate all eligible adults by end of year

Officials in the emirate recently confirmed that only those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to attend events held within the country starting June 6, 2021.

Read: UAE: Only individuals vaccinated against Covid-19 can attend events

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said that the total number of doses of the Covid-19 vaccines administered within the country stands at 12,870,553 as of Monday, with a vaccine distribution rate of 130.13 doses per 100 people.