Effectiveness of Different COVID-19 Vaccines in the United Arab Emirates: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Background: The COVID-19 virus continues to represent a threat to global healthcare systems. The novel strains, such as Delta and Omicron, possibly further increase transmission concerns. Despite widespread vaccine availability in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), vaccine hesitancy exists due to safety concerns, misinformation, and socioeconomic issues. We, in this study, aim to analyze the factors that could influence COVID-19 vaccination status and compare the efficacy of existing vaccines (Pfizer, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca) in preventing hospitalization. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study at the Al Towar Primary Health Centre in Dubai, UAE, from March to December 2022. We obtained demographics, comorbidities, BMI, vaccination status, and hospitalization outcomes from Dubai Health Authority (DHA) electronic health records (Epic/SALAMA, Nabidh) and supplemented with structured phone interviews. Vaccinated individuals got at least one dose of any UAE-approved vaccination. We conducted the analysis with Jamovi software (version 2.3.28), employing Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Out of the 500 patients we included, 446 were vaccinated and 54 were unvaccinated. The unvaccinated group had considerably more females (76.6% vs. 53.5%, p < 0.01), as well as higher rates of morbid obesity and chronic kidney disease. Individuals who had not been vaccinated had approximately three times the rate of hospitalization (10.6% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.054). No significant difference in hospitalization was seen for vaccination various types (Pfizer, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca). Conclusion: Vaccination considerably reduces severe COVID-19 outcomes, while unvaccinated people are more likely to be hospitalized. Our findings are consistent with global evidence of vaccine efficacy, and future measures should address sociocultural barriers, target high-risk groups, and challenge disinformation to increase adoption.