DUBAI — The emirate of Dubai has started vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19, the UAE"s official news agency WAM reported on Tuesday citing a statement from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). According to the report, vaccination centers across Dubai have started providing the vaccine to pregnant women starting from Tuesday (June 29).Pre-registering and booking an appointment through DHA’s smart application or DHA WhatsApp on 800342 is necessary to receive the vaccination, the report added. Dr. Muna Tahlak, CEO of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children said the DHA is continuing to expand its coverage of all social categories and segments eligible to receive the vaccination in Dubai, as per a strategic plan rolled out on Dec. 23 last year. Including pregnant women in the vaccination campaign will shield them from risks of infection and enhance overall levels of protection in the community, she said. The vaccination program is a major step in combating COVID-19, she stressed. The authority has reserved the required doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine necessary to vaccinate pregnant women residing in the emirate. Before taking the vaccine, pregnant women, especially those with underlying health conditions, should consult with a specialist doctor who has been monitoring their pregnancy, Dr. Tahlak stressed. The vaccination will be administered in two doses, and it is recommended to take the vaccine after the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.